RICHMOND HILL, Ga. — The Richmond Hill High School softball team is making headlines as they head to Columbus with aspirations of clinching their first-ever state championship.

The Lady Wildcats boast an impressive 19-9 record and have maintained a flawless streak throughout the state tournament. In a remarkable second-round performance, they traveled to North Gwinnett and emerged victorious, solidifying their reputation as formidable contenders.

Despite their success, Richmond Hill enters the competition as underdogs amid a field of traditional powerhouses like East Coweta and Buford. However, the team embraces their status and is unfazed by flying under the radar.

“It’s thrilling to witness the success of all our sports teams,” expressed head coach Chris Jenkins. “Traveling to Atlanta where the expectation is to win and then securing two victories was incredibly satisfying.”

Senior catcher Lily Welch echoed the sentiment, stating, “I definitely feel like we’re the underdogs. We’re the sole team from South Georgia making it to Columbus this year, so I think we’re being underestimated, and we’re perfectly okay with that.”

Richmond Hill will face North Paulding in the first round of the double-elimination tournament. The first pitch is scheduled for Oct. 29 at 11 a.m.