A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE THE north augusta high SCHOOL softball TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS ON AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO HONOR THEM FOR WINNING THE SOUTH CAROLINA high school league class 4a STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is proud to recognize the North Augusta High School softball team for winning the South Carolina High School League Class 4A state championship on May 25, 2022; and

Whereas, this historic win marks the program's momentous first state championship; and

Whereas, in the championship game, the North Augusta Yellow Jackets swept the Catawba Ridge Copperheads, securing the championship with a score of 8-0; and

Whereas, with an exceptional season overall, the Yellow Jackets had an astonishing record of 33-2 including four consecutive elimination game victories to make the state championship series with Catawba Ridge; and

Whereas, in the championship deciding game, Audri Bates hit a two-out, two-run home run at the top of the third to open the scoring, starting a domino effect of Yellow Jacket runs. Senior pitcher Katelyn Cochran kept the Copperheads at bay, pitching her nine hundredth career strikeout and sealing the state championship victory for the Yellow Jackets; and

Whereas, the North Augusta High School softball team has flourished under the leadership and guidance of Head Coach Craig Gilstrap, who retired at the end of the historic season. The championship was a fitting end to his illustrious thirty years as coach; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the pride and recognition that the North Augusta High School softball team has brought to its school and community and look forward to a future filled with further accomplishments by the team and its talented athletes. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, congratulate the North Augusta High School softball team, coaches, and school officials on an outstanding season and honor them for winning the South Carolina High School League Class 4A state championship.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the North Augusta High School softball team, Coach Craig Gilstrap, and Principal John Murphy.

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