SPRINGFIELD — The Effingham County Rebels are Elite Eight bound once again — for the fourth straight year — after grinding out a 6–5 win over Seckinger on Tuesday in Game 3 of their Gerogia High School Association (GHSA) Class 5A second-round series.
This wasn’t a walk in the park, but that’s never been how the Rebels do it. They fought from start to finish.
“You know, every year we’ve had to fight for it. It’s never been a walk in the park,” said senior pitcher Ansleigh Giordan. “We’ve had to earn it each time, and this year was definitely one of the hardest. But we knew what we were capable of, and we got the job done.”
Rebels Rally Late
Effingham County trailed early after Seckinger’s Megan Whitt homered to center field for a 2–0 lead in the top of the first inning. The Rebels quickly responded in the bottom half, with Mady Reagan hitting a sacrifice fly, Shelby Ziegler executing a sacrifice bunt, and Jenny Parker driving in two with a single to right field.
Effingham County’s Shelby Ziegler drops down a sacrifice bunt in Game 3 of Tuesday’s playoff series against Seckinger. Ziegler later doubled home the go-ahead run in the sixth inning as the Rebels advanced to the Elite Eight. (Photo courtesy of Prep Sports Report)
The game stayed tight and was tied going into the bottom of the sixth when Ziegler came through again — doubling in the bottom of the sixth to score the go-ahead run that sealed the 6–5 victory.
Ansleigh Giordano went the distance, scattering 10 hits and five runs (two earned) in a complete game outing, striking out three and walking two. Gracie LaFleur led Effingham at the plate, going three for three, while Ziegler and Reagan each drove in two runs. Giordano and Jenny Parker had two hits each.
Effingham County’s Gracie LaFleur ropes a base hit during Tuesday’s GHSA Class 5A second-round playoff game against Seckinger. LaFleur finished with three hits to help lead the Rebels back to the Elite Eight (Photo courtesy of Prep Sports Report)
Culture and Confidence
For LaFleur, the win was about more than just another playoff berth — it was proof of what Effingham softball culture represents.
“It feels amazing. This program has a real pedigree and a strong culture — it’s something us girls and our coaches have built together. We even had T-shirts made that say ‘Created Culture.’”
When asked about the pressure of catching in the final inning, LaFleur said.
“It was nerve-racking, but I had full confidence in Ansleigh and in our defense. I trusted her completely, and I knew our team would back her up.”
Plays That Define a Team
That trust paid off when third baseman Shelby Ziegler made the game-ending double play catch on a hard line drive and a quick tag of the runner on third base who froze two steps off third base to seal another trip to the GHSA Elite Eight.
“That’s what we live for — those big, game-ending plays,” LaFleur said. “It’s one of those memories you’ll never forget. To win on our home field and head straight to Columbus for state — it doesn’t get much better than that.”
Coach Thompson’s Perspective
Head coach Brad Thompson emphasized how moments like these are the product of years of building the program's values.
“It feels great. You know, one of our team values is resilience. Things don’t always go your way — in my 21-year career, I’ve seen that plenty. But when you prepare the right way and the players buy in, moments like this happen. I couldn’t be more proud of these girls and how they handled the pressure.”
He added that staying grounded is key when things get tight:
“It’s all about staying the course and trusting what you’ve worked on since day one. When things get tough, you fall back on preparation and belief in yourself. That’s what these girls did tonight.”
Thompson also praised Ziegler’s steady leadership. “She’s one of those kids you can always count on. She’s tough, fearless, and loves those big-game situations. She’s been huge for us, both in the field and at the plate.”
Next Stop: Columbus
Effingham County (26-7) advances to the GHSA Class 5A Elite Eight in Columbus, continuing a streak that is the Rebels’ identity — one built on tradition, belief, and culture.
Effingham County pitcher Ansleigh Giordano delivers to the plate during Tuesday’s playoff win over Seckinger. Giordan went the distance, allowing just two earned runs in the Rebels’ 6–5 victory. (Photo courtesy of Prep Sports Report)
“We’ve already been together for seven years — pitcher and catcher — and now we get four more,” said LaFleur, who will join Giordano next year at Augusta University. “It’s not over yet, we still got the playoffs here! I’m so excited to keep going with her this season and at the next level.”
PHOTO: Prep Sports Report
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