TO CONGRATULATE THE LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A REMARKABLE SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE 2019 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Lexington High School softball team of Lexington County took top honors at the state competition held at Northwestern High School on Friday, May 17, 2019; and

Whereas, cheered on by their faithful fans, the Lady Wildcats defeated the Byrnes High School Rebels 6-5 in the third and final game to bring home the team's first state title since 2001; and

Whereas, in a victory that did not come without a struggle, the Lady Wildcats lost the series opener at Byrnes after blowing a huge early lead. They claimed a victory on Wednesday with an impressive 5-1 win at home to set the stage for the winner-take-all contest on Friday; and

Whereas, in the deciding Game Three, the Lady Wildcats took an early lead, went down by three runs, and came back to take the win. An amazing finish to a remarkable season, this win marks the fifth all-time state title and their first in eighteen years; and

Whereas, in a sport that requires strength, strategy, and quickness, first-year Head Coach Laurie Epps and her skilled coaching staff maximized their own experience and passion to produce a championship team and teach these athletes lessons that will show themselves to be invaluable through life both on and off the diamond; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives value the respect and honor that the Lexington softball players have brought to their school and their community and look to hear of their future achievements in the days to come. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate the Lexington High School softball team, coaches, and school officials for a remarkable season and for winning the 2019 South Carolina Class AAAAA State Championship title

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Melissa Rawl and Head Coach Laurie Epps.