Lady Seahawks in uncharted territory

"Unplowed territory."
That's how South Walton High Athletic Director David Barron described the Lady Seahawks regional quarterfinal 2-1 softball victory over Holmes County Tuesday evening.
Other than individual sports, in South Walton's six-year history, has never had a team advance to the regional semifinals, Barron said.
"I'm just tickled to death. This team has just come from the ashes the last two years," Barron said.
"And they are playing as good of defense as any team around."
The Seahawks persevered for a 2-1 victory over the Holmes County Blue Devils and a chance to play Chipley High in the semifinals Friday night. Game results were not available at press time.
"We stayed with our game plan," said South Walton Softball Coach Phil Tisa. "Persevering is what did it."
Down 1-0 going into the bottom of the sixth inning, the Lady Seahawks connected for three hits to take the lead.
Kathryn Kenner put down a bunt and made it around to second on a throwing error. Kenner got picked at second for an out before Caroline Peterson walked. Brittany Jay and Shelby Watson followed with back-to-back singles to load the bases. The next Seahawk struck out, then Casey Ogden slapped a single up the middle to bring in Peterson and Jay for the go ahead. Meghan Smith grounded out but the Seahawks led 2-1.
In the top of the seventh, South Walton's sophomore pitcher Watson shut the Blue Devils down with some help from her defense. Left fielder Caitlin Holliday made a running catch for the first out, then Watson took care of the next two batters herself with strikeouts.
"We had an outstanding pitching performance from Shelby," Tisa said.
Before Watson stepped into the pitcher's circle in the top of the seventh, "I was telling myself not to get nervous," she said. "I tried to keep my cool."
And that she did. For the game Watson struck out 11 batters, gave up two hits and walked one.
"This was just a hurdle tonight," Tisa said as he walked off the field. "Everything we do now is another hurdle. But I think we're hitting our stride."
Top batters for South Walton were Jay and Ogden each with two singles; Kathryn Kenner, one double; and Shelby Watson, one single.
The win gives the Seahawks to 23-1 mark on the season, while the Blue Devils finished up 18-6.