The Southern Misses fast-pitch softball team has proved this year that they are among the best teams around. Now it’s official, they are the best in the state of Georgia.

On Saturday, June 16, the Southern Misses won the GSA fast-pitch softball 12-and-under state championship in Alpharetta.

The Polk County squad brought home the state title by going undefeated at the tournament.

According to coaches, winning a state title is not new to the Southern Misses, as they won the 10-and-under GSA title in 2010.

This year, in preparation for the state tournament, the 12-and-under squad played in older age brackets in several different tournaments and won a 14-and-under championship in Austell on May 26.

At state, the Southern Misses squared off with several tough opponents. According to team representatives, the Southern Misses defense made several stellar plays to keep opponents from scoring.

Meagan Cooper, a centerfielder, and Maddie Bowman, a third baseman, were each recognized for making big plays.

Offensively, the team banged out 25 hits on the day. Tia Covington and Blair Bedford each had multiple extra base hits. Sydney Greenway and Aubrie Wolfe each had triples while Lexy Smith had a double.

Katharine Tracy pitched the opening contest for the Southern Misses while Maddie Bowman and Sydney Greenway tossed the remainder of the games.

The Southern Misses outscored their oppoentns 33-14 at the tournament.

Head coach Eddy Greenway was excited about his team, which has mostly played together for the past five years.

“They are the best group of girls any coach could wish for,” Greenway said. “And we get a lot of compliments from other team’s coaches and fans. The team always shows class and good sportsmanship, win or lose.”

Members of the team are Blair Bedford, Aubrie Wolfe, Keely Smith, Tia Covington, Maddie Bowman, Meagan Cooper, Casey Gable, Christine Bryan, Katharine Tracy, Kelsie Motes, Lexy Smith, and Sydney Greenway.

The team is coached by Eddy Greenway, Travis Golden, Roy Tracy, and Stacey Bowman. Shawn Smith was the statistician.

The Southern Misses were offered the opportunity to represent Polk County in the Cedartown Recreational District tournament the last week of June, and they were slated to play in the 14-and-under bracket.