A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE PEE DEE ACADEMY SOFTBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A STELLAR SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2024 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Pee Dee Academy softball team of Marion County captured the state title at the state championship series held on May 14, 2024; and

Whereas, to the cheers of their exuberant fans, the Pee Dee Lady Golden Eagles defeated a competitive Orangeburg Preparatory School, sweeping both games in the best of three. This was the third consecutive title for Pee Dee, the last two titles having been against Orangeburg; and

Whereas, finishing the season with a 22-2 record, Pee Dee faced a daunting season after losing five seniors at graduation, three of whom were starters on the 2023 championship team; and

Whereas, the Lady Eagles won their first game 3-0 behind the 2-hit shutout pitching of sophomore pitcher Maddie Coward, who struck out 14 batters and walked only two; and

Whereas, Pee Dee's offense came from centerfielder Lizzie McCaskill's solo home run, Maddie Coward's double and RBI, shortstop Baxleigh Arnette's triple with two runs scored, and Azeleigh Arnette's RBI; and

Whereas, the second game saw more action. The Lady Eagles took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning, and the Lady Indians answered to tie the score in the bottom of the second. Pee Dee responded with three runs in the third inning to make it 5-2. Orangeburg scored single runs in the third and fifth innings to cut the lead to 5-4. Pee Dee posted a run in the top of the seventh for a two-run lead, when Baxleigh Arnette doubled with two outs and scored on a Maggie Coward single. The Lady Indians responded with a run in the bottom of the inning, but it was not enough; and

Whereas, Baxleigh Arnette, who will be playing for Presbyterian College, had two doubles, two runs, and an RBI, while Lizzie McCaskill scored two runs and added an RBI. Maddie Coward and Leah Nettles both delivered, each with a double and an RBI, while Azeleigh Arnette and courtesy runner Addison Hasty also scored; and

Whereas, Maddie Coward, named the Region 2 Player of the Year, finished the season with 177 strikeouts and with a .500 batting average, including 14 doubles, 2 triples, and 2 homers, along with a team high 33 RBI, while Baxleigh Arnette led Pee Dee with a .527 batting average comprised of 16 doubles, 4 triples, and 4 homers, as well as 28 runs batted in; and

Whereas, other team statistics included Lizzie McCaskill batting.429 with 5 doubles, 3 triples, 4 home runs, and a team high 39 runs scored; Azeleigh Arnette batting .371 with 18 RBI; Claire Eskridge batting .276 with 8 RBI; Leah Nettles batting .263 with 15 RBI; Anna Cooke batting .241 with 12 RBI; Katie Estes batting .229 with 12 RBI; and Savanna Baker batting .197 with 16 RBI, fourth on the team; and

Whereas, Head Coach Will Eskridge and his skilled coaching staff used their own athletic experience and passion to forge a championship team, while teaching these athletes lessons that will prove invaluable through life both on and off the diamond; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives values the respect and recognition that the Pee Dee Academy softball players have brought to their school and their community, and the members anticipate hearing of their continued success in the future. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Pee Dee Academy softball team, coaches, and school officials for a stellar season and congratulate them for winning the 2024 South Carolina Independent School Association Class 3A State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Head of School Allyson Carmichael and Coach Will Eskridge.

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