The Covington County 12U softball team clinched the sub-state championship with a 7-2 win over East Brewton Monday night in Brewton.

 

Covington County jumped out front 3-0 in the first inning, and lead 5-0 after three innings.

 

East Brewton pushed across one run in the fourth inning, and Covington County added two runs in the fifth inning.

 

East Brewton added a run in the sixth inning, but it wasn’t enough to get past the scrappy Covington County squad.

 

“We played really well the whole tournament,” Covington County coach Eric Schwartz said. “I’m really proud of these girls.”

 

Amie Catrett led the way on the mound for Covington County as she picked up her second win of the tournament.

 

Catrett struck out 10 batters and only allowed four hits in the championship game.

 

“We had some very strong pitching performances during the tournament,” Schwartz said. “On Saturday, Emily Taylor threw a no-hitter against East Brewton and we won 11-0 in four innings.”

 

Schwartz said that on top of the outstanding pitching, his team also displayed outstanding defense.

 

“Looking back, I can only think of one or two errors that we committed,” Schwartz said. “And for this age group that is incredible. That is a testament to the hard work these girls put in every day in practice. They have really come together and gelled as a team. They are an unbelievable group of girls. I love all of these girls and their parents. They have been a great group to coach.”

 

Schwartz said that rain was a factor every day during the tournament in Brewton, and commended his players for staying focused and the staff at Brewton for making the best of it.

 

“The staff here in Brewton did a great job of dealing with the rain every day,” Schwartz said. “We dealt with rain each day, and the staff in Brewton did a great job of accommodating every one, and keeping the field in shape.”

 

Schwartz said that his assistant coaches deserved a lot of credit as well for helping out like they did.

 

“My coaches worked really well together,” Schwartz said. “Anthony Taylor, Keith Whitfield and Jared Nall are a solid group of guys, and every one gelled together. It was a just a great team all around. I wouldn’t trade these girls for anyone in Alabama. They are an extremely talented group and they enjoy softball. I’m proud of each and every one of them.”

 

Schwartz said that this is his last season in recreation league and wanted to thank every one for his time.

 

“This is my last season in rec league,” Schwartz said. “I’ve been president for the past 14 years, and it has been a great privilege to work will all these girls over the years. I’m thankful for the memories and look forward to watching them over the next years.”

 

Up next for the Covington County 12U softball team will be the state tournament in Brewton beginning Thursday.