The Lady Bulldogs (11-4) defeated Billingsley twice Tuesday to win the AHSAA Class 1A, Area 5 softball tournament. SWHS took the first game over BHS with an 8-0 win before trouncing the Lady Bears 11-1 in the final game of the day.

“They have worked hard all year and played well,” Sweet Water head coach Pat Thompson said of his players. “They’ve worked hard. They’ve given themselves a chance to win every game but one. They’ve been really good this year as for as keeping a good attitude and staying focused.”

In the first contest, Latoya Williams went 3-for-4. Deandrea Norwood put together a 2-for-3 game while Tondalaya Dockery and BreAnna Black each went 2-for-4.

The offensive output proved more than enough to support the pitching effort of Chelsea Luker. The senior hurler dealt seven innings of two-hit ball, issuing only one walk and striking out seven batters in the process.

“She’s been incredible this year and last year as well,” Thompson said of Luker. “She doesn’t like to pitch, but she does it because I ask her too. She’s a competitor. She battles every time out.”

In the team’s second game of the day Luker continued her dominance, striking out seven batters in six innings while allowing four hits and issuing three walks.

Melanie Curtis led the way at the plate for Sweet Water, going 3-for-4 with a double. Williams went 1-for-2 with two runs scored. Dockery went 1-for-3 with three runs scored. Norwood finished the contest 1-for-4 with a triple.

The win sends Sweet Water to its upcoming regional tournament in Montgomery as one of the draw’s top seeds.

“That’s what we were gunning for this year was to be that top seed,” Thompson said. “That was our goal was to win the area. “I am really proud of my seniors and the leadership effort they have shown.”