By Fred Guarino

The Lowndes Signal

MONTGOMERY — The Lowndes Academy Lady Rebels are back-to-back AISA AA state champions in softball.

The Lady Rebels completed the 2014 season with an 8-7 win and a 13-0 shut out of Wilcox Academy to claim the state championship Saturday at Lagoon Park in Montgomery.

The Lady Rebels went 24-10 on the season overall.

While Lowndes Academy won their area, they were a third seed in the state playoff tournament because of a 3-2 loss against Wilcox Academy in the regional tournament.

“It was special to win it for these seniors.” Lowndes head coach Matt Marshall said. “They’ve been with me — some of them — the pitcher Paige Hill has been a starter since the seventh grade.”

Hill pitched all four games for the Lady Rebels through Friday and Saturday state championship playoff action. However, she saved the best for last, delivering a one-hitter in the 13-0 state championship game.

Marshall said the entire 2014 season has been a group effort by his team, especially pulling things together after Mallory McCurdy broke her ankle in the third game of the season.

Setting up championship game Saturday, Lowndes Academy defeated Coosa Valley Academy 10-2 and Pickens Academy 11-2 on Friday.

“I very thankful, and I’m just happy that God was with us,” Hill said. “We showed up and God showed out, and I’m very proud of my team … and most importantly the fans and the families.”

The 2014 Lady Rebels included: Abby Ray (freshman), Madolynn Headley (8th), Abby Pitts (junior), Laura Jean McCurdy (sophomore), Jessica Gallardo (junior), Emily Dunning (sophomore), Sarah McIntosh (sophomore), Kailan Shepherd (senior), Taylor King (sophomore), Khaki Gaston (junior), Emi Ann Glushick (8th), Paige Hill (senior), Mallory McCurdy (senior), Carmen Till (sophomore) and Caroline Bennett (junior).

In addition to Marshall, P.J. Gallardo, Frank King and Ronald Wilkinson coached the team.