By MICHAEL MURRAY
michael.murray@americustimesrecorder.com
americustimesrecorder.com

AMERICUS – The Southland Academy Lady Raiders’ post-season accolades have recently been released, with five different team members receiving awards for their performances on the diamond during the team’s impressive 2015 season.
Brandi Sellars, Christina Davis, Savanna Swann, Abby Dent, and Megan Burke were each named All-Region at the conclusion of their 2015 season in region 3-IAAA.
As seniors and team captains, Burke and Davis were also selected to the All-State team in addition to being nominated to represent Southland in the GISA Senior All-Star Game.
Burke was also voted Region Player of the Year.
Both players recently signed letters of intent to carry on their softball careers at the collegiate level after graduation
Throughout the season, Sellars led the Lady Raiders in total runs scored, with 35. Sellars also amassed an impressive .526 on-base percentage, stole 12 total bases, and drew 18 walks during her appearances at the plate.
Davis led the team’s hitters with a .561 batting average, setting a new school record in the process. During her senior season, Davis managed to cross the plate 29 times and bring in 34 RBIs. In addition to her impressive scoring record, Davis struck out only once this year.
Swann had the team’s second-highest batting average, hitting .446 on the season. She also had the third-highest number of runs scored for the Southland girls, with 27.
Dent brought in the second-highest number of RBIs for the Lady Raiders, batting in 26 runners on her way to a .566 on-base percentage. Dent hit seven doubles to lead the Lady Raiders and recorded one lonely strikeout during the season.
As the Lady Raiders’ pitcher, Burke threw for a school-record 1.25 earned-run average, striking out 108 of her opponents in 111 and two-thirds innings of work. Burke earned a .82 WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) from the pitchers’ circle and contributed five doubles and three triples from the batter’s box to lead the team. Burke drew 17 walks as well, second only to Sellars on the season.
On the Lady Raiders’ post-season honors, Coach John Brady told the Times-Recorder, “These girls had great seasons and were certainly deserving of these awards. We will definitely miss the girls that are graduating and hope that the ones returning will continue to work hard and lead our team so that our program will remain a winner for many more years.”