A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE Hannah-Pamplico High School softball TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2023 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is pleased to learn that the members of the Hannah-Pamplico softball team of Florence County captured the team's first state title at the final game of the series held on Friday, May 26, 2023; and

 

Whereas, to the cheers of their exuberant and faithful fans, the Hannah-Pamplico Lady Raiders decisively defeated the competitive Lewisville High School Lady Lions 8-5 in McBee in the third game of the series, ending their season with a 21-5 record and hitting .349 as a team; and

 

Whereas, the Lady Raiders belted four home runs to power their way to claim not only the first state title in the history of the softball program, but also the first team title in the history of the school; and

 

Whereas, Hannah-Pamplico's offense picked up steam against the Lions at the end of the second game, winning that game 11-1, and that momentum continued throughout the third game; and

 

Whereas, in the bottom of the first inning, Raider Jadan Lee aimed a solo shot that gave her team a 2-0 lead.  Freshman starting pitcher Kadence Poston for Hannah-Pamplico gave up a big hit for three runs for the Lions in the second inning, but she bounced back to finish the game with nine strikeouts; and

 

Whereas, Hannah-Pamplico reclaimed the lead in its next at-bat when sophomore outfielder Payten Poston fired off a two-run shot to center that scored Katelyn Scott and put the Lady Raiders up 4-3.  She would also hit her first-ever home run, making the team's win even more memorable for her; and

 

Whereas, after a 4-4 tie, the Lady Raiders took the lead for good when freshman outfielder Chloe Cooper hit a double and teammate Meredith Stone brought her home on a sacrifice fly.  Junior Izzy Davis posted another run with a solo homer, the team's third round-tripper of the game, for a 6-4 lead; and

 

Whereas, in the fifth inning, Chloe Cooper launched the final homer that led to a two-run blast that gave Hannah-Pamplico an 8-4 advantage with six outs remaining.  She would finish the game 3 for 3 with a homer, two doubles, and three runs scored; and

 

Whereas, with the score 8-5 in the top of the seventh inning, the Raiders' senior third baseman Riley Calcutt threw to Izzy Davis at first base for the final out and the start of a Hannah-Pamplico celebration decades in the making; and

 

Whereas, four Lady Raiders were named to the Region 6 Class A honors: Riley Calcutt, another senior Anna Claire Stone, sophomore Jadan Lee, and Kadence Poston; and

 

Whereas, in a sport that requires quickness, strength, and strategy, Head Coach Amber Knight, a former softball standout and Hannah-Pamplico alumna, and her skilled coaching staff maximized their own athletic experience and training to build a championship-caliber team and teach these athletes life principles that will endure beyond the diamond; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate value the pride and recognition that the softball players of Hannah-Pamplico have brought to their school and their community, and the members look forward to following their continued achievements in the days ahead.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Hannah-Pamplico High School softball team, coaches, and school officials for an extraordinary season and congratulate them for winning the 2023 South Carolina Class A State Championship title.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Sterling Mosby and Coach Amber Knight.

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