Dade County softball leadership praised as 25-win season comes to a close
Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / Dade County seniors Riley Talley (25) and Miley Chambers embrace after the Lady Wolverines' season came to a close with Tuesday's 6-4 home defeat in a decisive Game 3 against Metter in the second round of the GHSA Class AA playoffs. Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / Dade County seniors Riley Talley (25) and Miley Chambers embrace after the Lady Wolverines' season came to a close with Tuesday's 6-4 home defeat in a decisive Game 3 against Metter in the second round of the GHSA Class AA playoffs.
TRENTON, Ga. — Dade County head coach Stephen Graham was choked up when talking about his three seniors, who helped pave the way to a successful season that fell just short of a trip to the Elite Eight in Columbus.
While visiting Metter junior Judson Vining’s 11th home run of the season and third of the series propelled her team to a 6-4 road victory in Game 3 of the GHSA Class AA second-round playoff battle, the Lady Wolverines’ 10th-year head coach had plenty of praise for his senior trio of Riley Talley, Miley Chambers and Kirsten Breedlove.
“This team had the least drama I have ever had, and that starts from the top and how you lead,” said Graham, whose team finished 25-6 overall. “These seniors were servant leaders and loved their underclassmen. They did things the right way and checked all the boxes in what you want out of leaders. Riley and Miley each battled through torn labrums all season and refused to let that slow them down. Our three seniors went above and beyond for their teammates.”
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Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / Dade County’s Winter Daniel watches her RBI triple during Tuesday’s home game against Metter in the second round of the GHSA Class AA state playoffs.Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / Dade County freshman shortstop Norah Massey makes a put out during Tuesday’s home game against Metter in the second round of the GHSA Class AA state playoffs.Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / Dade County head coach Stephen Graham and freshman Alli Stevens celebrate during Tuesday’s home game against Metter in the second round of the GHSA Class AA state playoffs.Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / Metter’s Zailee Thurman smiles after hitting a home run during Tuesday’s road victory over Dade County in a decisive Game 3 in the second round of the GHSA Class AA state playoffs.Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / Dade County center fielder Riley Talley tries to make a leaping catch at the fence during Tuesday’s home game against Metter in the second round of the GHSA Class AA state playoffs.Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / Dade County center fielder Riley Talley tries to make a leaping catch at the fence during Tuesday’s home game against Metter in the second round of the GHSA Class AA state playoffs.Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / Dade County junior Kaleighly West delivers a pitch during Tuesday’s home game against Metter in the second round of the GHSA Class AA state playoffs.Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / Dade County senior Miley Chambers connects on one of her three doubles in Tuesday’s home game against Metter in the second round of the GHSA Class AA state playoffs.Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / Dade County head coach Stephen Graham and freshman Alli Stevens celebrate during Tuesday’s home game against Metter in the second round of the GHSA Class AA state playoffs.Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / Dade County junior Winter Daniel hits a triple to right center field during Tuesday’s home game against Metter in the second round of the GHSA Class AA state playoffs.Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / Dade County seniors Riley Talley (25) and Miley Chambers embrace after the Lady Wolverines’ season came to a close with Tuesday’s 6-4 home defeat in a decisive Game 3 against Metter in the second round of the GHSA Class AA playoffs.
Chambers produced a season-best three doubles in Wednesday’s finale for No. 8-seed Dade County, her 15th multi-hit performance of the season.
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