It was close — the Lady Indians, playing in game three in the second round of the GHSA 4A State Playoffs, edged Chapel Hill 1-0 to reach the Elite 8 for the second year in a row.

Stephens County (20-8) has now made it to Columbus for the only two such trips in school history, as they were led by head coach Katie Jo Gentry and junior pitcher Emma Whitfield.

The field is already set for the Elite 8 at Columbus Softball Complex from October 26-28, as all eight teams will face double-elimination. Stephens County is already slated to take on Northside, Columbus on Thursday at 5 p.m.

This is no easy task, as Northside (30-2) is nationally ranked #32 by Maxpreps, and #2 in Class 4A. The Region 1-AAAA Champion Lady Patriots outscored opponents 270-34, which equates to just over a run per game allowed.

While Stephens County hasn’t had that type of offense (just 109 runs scored), the pitching has been equal, allowing just 29 runs all season. Expect Stephens County and Northside to be a low-scoring affair in the Elite 8 opener.