Richmond Hill is back among Georgia's final eight softball teams for the second straight year. But this time, the Wildcats are hoping to take another step.
This week, the Richmond Hill Wildcats softball team is competing in the GHSA Class 7A Elite Eight tournament in Columbus.
On Wednesday, the Wildcats lost to Buford 14-6. This is Richmond Hill's second consecutive year making the Elite Eight, and it's also the second time in school history the team has made an appearance.
Richmond Hill junior pitcher Gess Clark, who is in her second season as a varsity player, has played an important role in the Wildcats' success this season.
Clark has recorded an impressive 3.17 ERA, the best in GHSA Region 1-7A.
Richmond Hill pitcher Gess Clark (5) delivers a pitch against Dacula during the GHSA Class 7A softball playoffs. (Photo by Tyler Boyce/Prep Sports Report)
She also came up big in Game 3 of Richmond Hill's previous Sweet 16 series against Dacula High School, taking a no-hitter into the seventh inning. Clark also created her own run support, knocking a two-run single to extend the lead over Dacula and help secure a 4-2 victory.
After making the Elite Eight last year but coming up short of a state championship, Clark spoke about what it meant to return to Columbus.
"It means a lot to me to be able to have this opportunity again and play with the people I love."
While Clark has had a strong season, she credits much of her performance to her supportive teammates.
"We all have such a close bond, which helps us on the field because we're all so supportive of each other. It also helps because we can communicate with each other."
Now, with their season on the line, the Wildcats will have to lean on that same chemistry and trust that Clark said carried them through the season.
It's win or go home for Richmond Hill.
The Wildcats face North Paulding in an elimination game Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7:15 p.m. in Columbus.
Student Correspondent Note: Tyler Boyce is a Richmond Hill High School student and a member of the Prep Sports Report/Optim Orthopedics Student Correspondent Program, where local high school students cover their schools, interview athletes and coaches, take photos and videos, and gain real-world sports journalism experience.
The Prep Sports Report Student Correspondent Program is proudly sponsored by Optim Orthopedics, supporting Savannah-area student-athletes and the next generation of sports journalists.
