The recent past for Hall County softball has not been much to write home about.
However, East Hall and Flowery Branch both are trying to change that perception in 2019.
The Lady Vikings sport a 15-3 overall record, are a perfect 9-0 in Region 7-3A, and also are ranked third in Class 3A in the latest MaxPreps rankings. The 15 wins lead all of Class 3A.
The Lady Falcons, who are ranked sixth in Class 4A, sport a 15-6 overall record and currently lead a very stout Region 7-4A with an 9-1 mark, including a split with fourth-ranked Marist. The 15 wins are the most in Class 4A.
East Hall is under new management this season as longtime assistant Anuel Burce took over as the head coach. The Lady Vikings have not been without regular-season success winning Region 7-3A each of the past three seasons. However, Burce sees something a little different with his current squad.
“I think our defense is the key this year,” Burce said. “That and the fact that these girls never quit no matter how far down they may get in a game. We’ve been good but kind of underachievers in the playoffs. I’m hoping that will change this year and beyond.”
Defense and pitching have been the biggest difference for the Lady Vikings. They lead all of Class 3A in fewest runs allowed per game (2.37 rpg) giving up just 38 total runs. Senior Macy Banks and sophomore Callie Hardison have been stellar in the circle. But a .346 overall team batting average -- .440 in Region 7-3A play -- also doesn’t hurt.
Banks and senior Abigail Brown, the Nos. 3 and 4 hitters have been mashing the ball all season.
“Our RBI players like Macy and Abigail have really been coming through when we need them,” Burce said. “But probably the biggest key is just not giving up that many runs. We’re playing excellent defense overall.”
Flowery Branch also is no stranger to regular-season success. The Lady Falcons have made the playoffs five years running with three trips to the Sweet 16 in that span.
Much like East Hall, Flowery Branch is pounding teams at the plate. The Lady Falcons are fourth in Class 4A in scoring at 8.94 rpg.
Longtime coach Laura Novotny-Beaver, now in her 11th season, said getting the program over that final hump has been a top priority this season. The Lady Falcons have a pair of Final Four finishes in their history but you have to go back to 2004 as the last time they advanced that far.
“We’ve talked about it,” Novotny-Beaver said. “We’ve had success but getting to that next level is where we want to take the program. We’re scheduling more top teams to help challenge us.”
Flowery Branch has a pair of talented hurlers in senior Jessica Houston and freshman Nikki Harris. At the plate, they are led by sophomore power hitter Savannah Rutledge, who has a team-leading 5 home runs, with juniors Aubrey Bourrie and Amanda LeBlanc sandwiched around her. Junior Kate Stage and senior Bretta Alexzulian at the top of the order give the three power slots plenty of opportunities.
“Our lineup has been pretty good all year,” Novotny-Beaver said. “Those first five really put a lot of pressure on teams. The key will be just staying healthy and keeping the momentum moving forward.”
Burce said a strong finish is important but they also are keeping an eye on, hopefully, bigger prizes.
“We’re working hard on just focusing on the little things more than we have in the past,” Burce said. “But the way the girls have approached this season and played so far, I really feel like we have a legitimate chance to win (the state title). We’re not looking past Lumpkin County or anybody left.
“But if they continue to work and play the way they have so far, I like where we are. I’m not predicting anything but maybe this is the year for a Hall County team.”
Novotny-Beaver agreed.
“I think both teams can make a breakthrough this year, I really do,” she said. “It would be good for Hall County and the more teams that can make it to Columbus just makes everyone else better. There is still some work to do to get the sport back to where it used to be here but I think we’re making progress. Hopefully, this is the year.”
