PERRY, Ga. — Westfield softball is not a stranger to the winner's circle.
The Hornets earned their way back for the eighth season in a row, taking home the 3A GIAA state championship trophy 26-18 over Piedmont.
"We've had two groups that have gotten four, as they go from freshmen all the way to seniors," head coach Ryan Wetherington said. "It's just awesome. It's special. It's a testament to the girls and what they put in."
He said this championship team's mindset this season was "never give up," because that's how they carried themselves all year.
Many people don't see the adversities the team faced through out the season if all they look at is the hardware or stat lines.
Wetherington said for what felt like at least ten games this year, the team was missing a key player. Several teammates had to learn positions they were not used to, and two players lost their mothers just before the start of the season.
But, through it all, they persevered.
"I relied on the seniors and and their leadership ... came together even closer than than what I could have even imagined because of all of it," Wetherington said.
Senior Lauren Davidson threw the final strikeout to end the championship-clinching game in 6 innings. She said that last trip to the mound was about focus and faith for her.
"Super surreal, since it was my senior year ... couldn't believe it happened ... I still can't believe this happened," senior Madison Hammock said. "I normally don't cry, but I ended up crying."
It's safe to say the 2025 senior class softball players have experienced something pretty special at the Westfield School. The five seniors said they will be looking for the legacy to continue without them next year.
If Wetherington and the rising seniors can keep up the same pace, then the Hornets should be in position to compete for the nine-peat they're chasing.