The McIntosh Lady Chiefs varsity softball team (10-9) has gone on a tear of late and has found themselves at 6-1 in the region.

"We are playing our best ball right now and are continually improving game in and game out," said Coach Kristy Lewis.

Two of McIntosh's most recent wins have come in extra innings. In last week's game against Villa Rica, the Lady Chiefs won 3-0 in seven innings. Holly Houghton had two hits for McIntosh, while Kelsey Dawson, Amelia Beach, Katie Talisse, Dani Maskery and Jocelyn Clarke produced for the offense as well.

On Tuesday, McIntosh outlasted Woodward Academy and scored on a throwing error in the seventh. Morgan Kidd score the winning run but it has been her pitching that has helped fuel the Lady Chiefs run. Kidd, a freshman, has not been scored upon in 45 innings. Her ERA in region games is 0.33. When you combine her incredible efforts on the mound with great defense, you get a team playing confident ball.

"Every game I want to put ourselves in a situation to win the game," said Lewis. "And we're doing that consistently right now."

McIntosh, which fell to former region rival Fayette County 1-0 Wednesday, was scheduled to take on current region opponent Douglas County last night after the paper went to press. They will host Creekside next Tuesday at 5 p.m. and will play at Sandy creek next Thursday. That game is also scheduled for a 5 p.m. start.

Starr's Mill got several of their games in the North Cobb tournament rained out last week, but they still have a winning record and, depsite some struggles at the plate, are playing decent ball.

The Lady Panthers lost to East Coweta early last week 2-1. Jackie Jones pitched well, striking out nine batters, but picked up the loss. Katie Ison drove in Lyndsey Tedford for the Lady Panthers only run. Later last week, Starr's Mill got a 10-0 win over Chamblee. Amanda Howett pitched a one hitter and struck out seven batters in five innings. Rebecca Aszman drove in two runs, while Lindsey Walker, Caitlin Rosa and Tedford also provided some offense.

Starr's Mill also got a 2-1 win over South Gwinnett on Wednesday. The Lady Panthers were down 1-0 in the seventh inning but got big hits from Tedord, Ison and Rachel Watson to get the win. Jones pitched six innings and allowed one run on five hits. Freshman Paige Peurifoy pitched the final inning and picked up the first win in her high school career.

There was a bit of bad news for Starr's Mill this week as Aszman, the team's catcher, went down with a broken ankle at practice on Monday. She is expected to be out 4-6 weeks and is determined to play again this season if possible.

Starr's Mill faced Union Grove after the paper went to press Thursday and was scheduled to play several more games in the Brookwood tournament this weekend. They will play at Fayette County at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.