A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE Pee Dee Academy softball TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A REMARKABLE SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2022 SOUTH CAROLINA Independent School Association Class 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Pee Dee Academy softball team of Marion County captured the state trophy from the state series at Williamsburg Academy in Kingstree on Wednesday, May 18, 2022; and

Whereas, to the delight of their exuberant fans, the Pee Dee Lady Golden Eagles defeated a fine, competitive Williamsburg Academy 1-0 in the second game of the best two-of-three series and finished their season with an impressive 31-2 record; and

Whereas, on Monday, May 16, the teams faced off in the first game at Pee Dee Academy in Mullins, and the Lady Golden Eagles claimed that first game with a 1-0 score, a score that would be their ticket to the state trophy in the second game; and

Whereas, in the second game, Pee Dee's center fielder Lizzie McCaskill was the team's first at bat, and she got on base with a dropped third strike and beat the throw to first. She then proceeded to steal second and third bases. When she stole home on a passed ball by the catcher, her run would be the only run of the championship game to garner the state title; and

Whereas, the Golden Eagles' pitcher Maddie Coward was named the MVP, All-Region, and North South All-Star. Lizzie McCaskill was named the 2022 Region Player of the Year, All-Region, and North South All-Star; and

Whereas, other standouts from Pee Dee included Allison Carter with the team's highest batting average. She was named All-Region and North South All-Star and is playing for Florence-Darlington Technical College. Gracyn Hyatt was named North South All-Star and is playing for Presbyterian College; and

Whereas, Lady Golden Eagles Allie Briley and Jordan Perritt were both named All-Region and North South All-Stars, and Lauren Martin was named All-Region; and

Whereas, in a sport that requires power, strategy, and speed, Head Coach Will Eskridge and assistant coaches Jake Hyatt and Eddie Pittman used their athletic training and ability to hone a championship team and teach these athletes invaluable life lessons both on and off the diamond; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciates the pride and recognition that the Pee Dee softball players have brought to their school and their community, and the members look forward to following their continued achievements in the days to come. 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 remarkable season and congratulate them for winning the 2022 South Carolina Independent School Association Class 2A State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Tracy Holcombe, head of Pee Dee Academy, and to Coach Will Eskridge.

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