Lady Warriors finish fourth in state in 7A division

CHS’ Varsity Softball team traveled to Columbus this past week to compete for the title of “State Champions.” They ended their season as Region Champions and fourth in the state in the 7A division.

The team left for Columbus mid-day on Wednesday, and it was a two-and-a-half hour trip on a charter bus.

The team left a day early so they would be fresh and ready for their game on Thursday. They had to be there for the bat check-in and Opening Ceremony on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m.

[Images: Photos from the Opening Ceremony.]

The Lady Warriors lost their first state game 1-0 against East Coweta HS. Elyse Kresho pitched a gem on the mound, but the team couldn’t suffice enough hits to score any runs. Their game time was originally 8 p.m., but it was delayed to 10 p.m. The team didn’t get back to their hotel until 12:30, but they were able to sleep in the next day, as their next game was at 3 p.m. against Hillgrove HS.

[Images: Photos from the game against East Coweta.]

The team eliminated Hillgrove HS the next afternoon with a final score of 18-5. Kenleigh Spence pitched, and Elyse Kresho hit one out.

[Images: Photos from their game against Hillgrove.]

The team had another game that day around 8 p.m. Cherokee was the home team and Elyse Kresho pitched a shutout against Milton HS. Lottie Landmesser started out the night with a homerun in the bottom of the first inning and would hit another out in the bottom of the second! Kaley Crane hit one in the bottom of the third, scoring two. By the end of the fourth inning, the score was 9-0 Cherokee and they run-ruled Milton in the fifth.

[Images: Photos from their game against Milton.]

Our Warriors’ final game was played on Oct. 30 – the last day of playoffs. By beating out Milton the night before, they became one of the the final four in the state in the 7A division. Unfortunately, they came up short 7-5 against Mill Creek HS, which ended their season. There were many tears, since it was the seniors’ last game of high school softball.

[Images: Photos from their last game against Mill Creek.]

Our seniors Nikki Brown, Cadance Summerlin and Haleigh Cianchetti had a few words to say about their experiences this season.

This season has definitely been my favorite. We all got along so well and were each other’s best friends. I am forever grateful for them. It was one of the most saddening things for me when I realized I played my last softball game for Cherokee High School. I never wanted this season to end but I’m so glad I got to end my senior year in Columbus! It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m so glad I got to be a part of it.
Nikki Brown, senior

Brown is committed to Piedmont College to play softball and she plans on studying criminal justice. Wish her the best of luck at Piedmont and keep hitting those homers, Nikki!

My experience this year with Cherokee softball has been one I’ll never forget. It was full of bonds and friendships that will never be broken. The girls and coaches will always have a special place in my heart!
Cadance Summerlin, senior

Summerlin is undecided on where she wants to go to college, but she has hopes to study nursing or elementary education. We wish you the best of luck in wherever you may go, Cadance!

This season was by far the best season of softball for me. The environment and the atmosphere of the team is something that people dream to have. I have been waiting to go to Columbus since freshman year, and I’m so glad I got to end my last year in Columbus! It was such a bittersweet moment when I knew our season was over. I didn’t want it to end but I wouldn’t have wanted it to end any other way.
Haleigh Cianchetti

Cianchetti is also undecided, but plans on majoring in aviation! Keep flying high, Haleigh, and we wish you the best of luck wherever you go!

[Images: Photos from Columbus.]

Chloe Manders is a sophomore at Cherokee and plays first base.

This team was different than any other teams I’ve ever played on. This team clicked immediately and never broke apart. No matter what happened-no matter who was playing and who wasn’t, this team showed what true teammates are. No one ever gave up on each other, and we were always there supporting each other. I’m going to miss the seniors, but I can’t wait to watch how far they go. I will never forget this team, and I’m excited to see where we go next year. Thank you, Cherokee Softball and, of course, a huge thanks to all our coaches.
Chloe Manders, sophomore