The McIntosh Lady Chiefs had a stretch earlier this season where they won eight of 10 games, but they have currently dropped four in a row, including a 1-0 loss to Chapel Hill Tuesday. In that stretch they have been outscored by the their opponents 10-1, but there is reason for optimism as they head to the region playoffs which are scheduled to start Monday.

The Lady Chiefs had seven shutouts in that winning streak and have received great pitching performances from Morgan Kidd. The offense has been potent as well, outscoring their opponents 29-4 in that stretch.

Starr's Mill has had a recent surge, winning the North Cobb tournament last weekend with five straight wins ovr teams like Kennesaw Mountain, Paulding County and Wheeler. The team had six playrs hit over .300 in the tournament, including Lindsey Walker at .583 and Raxhel Watson at .500. Pitchers Jackie Jones and Amanda Howett were also among the more successful hitters in the tourney and each picked up two wins.

This was exactly the type of performance from his team that Coach Mark Willamson was hoping for. The bats are starting to heat up at the right time and, once agan, the Lady Panthers will have a good shot at the region tournament title.

The tournament will start Monday at McCurry Park. Visit www.thecitizennews.com for updates.

Williamson also wanted to mention the tremendous success of the Starr's Mill junior varsity softball team, which has a record of 14-1. They won the Kennesaw Mountain tournament last weekend.