TO CONGRATULATE THE GRAY COLLEGIATE ACADEMY SOFTBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST CLASS AA SOFTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the Gray Collegiate Academy softball team of Lexington County clinched top honors by defeating Latta High School in the 2022 Class AA softball state championship series; and
Whereas, Gray Collegiate Academy fans were treated to a brilliant display of the War Eagles' skills as they swept the Latta High School Vikings in back-to-back games, winning the state championship title on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, for the first time in program history; and
Whereas, game two of the series looked like the outcome would come down to who would blink first in a pitching duel between Gray Collegiate's Taylor Corley and Latta's Maddie Berry. The War Eagles' junior pitcher allowed only one run over fourteen innings pitched, eight hits with fourteen strikeouts, and three walks. The biggest turning point might have come in the second inning when the Vikings loaded the bases with a walk and two infield singles before Corley struck out the next three batters; and
Whereas, in the bottom of the sixth inning, senior Brooke Tranum ripped a single to right field to score Brooklinn Thomas from second base for the dramatic 2-1 victory and sweep of the best-of-three state championship series; and
Whereas, led by Head Coach Doug Frye, the War Eagles proved that the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices they made to perform at their very best, both as individuals and as a team, were well worth it in the end. A coach can ask for nothing more than the individual effort and support these young athletes gave to each other, from the beginning of the season all the way to the end, in order to achieve the pinnacle of a state championship; and
Whereas, the consistency and excitement that these athletes demonstrated all season long leads fans and spectators to anticipate their potential future successes; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives value the pride and recognition that the Gray Collegiate War Eagles have earned for their school and their community and look forward to hearing of their accomplishments in the days ahead. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate the Gray Collegiate Academy softball team, coaches, and school officials for winning their first Class AA softball state championship.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to principal, Dr. Brian Newsome, and Head Coach Doug Frye.