The Rome Rage 8U RFPRA Girls All-Star Softball Team, coached by Jeff Ogle, recently captured the District 5AAAA-A title and qualified for the GRPA State Tournament. The state tourney will be in Cordele, beginning Thursday.

Team members are: Front Row (from left):  Rachel Melton, Ta’emmica Nation, Ella Brewer, Abi Curry, Emily Self, Hannah Earwood. Second Row:  Sydney Rogers, Kinsley Coogler, Cora Linos, Elizabeth Ogle, Riley Jenkins, Riley Davidson. Back Row:  Coach Kelley Rogers, Coach Jeff Ogle, Coach Monica Willingham. Not Pictured:  Jocelyn Pineda.

During the District Tournament in Rockmart, the Rage suffered an extra-inning loss to Calhoun in their opener before bouncing back to beat Murray County, 18-9, in 5 innings.  The Rage then defeated Rockmart, 9-6, in 6 innings, before falling to Summerville, 25-18.

Owners of the best Class 5AAAA-A record (2-2), the Rage were named the district 5AAAA-A Champions, and earned a first-round bye in the State Tournament. The Rage is scheduled to leave Thursday afternoon to face a tough challenge to be the best in the state not only in Class A but also the overall state winner.

The Rage’s coaching staff expressed appreciation to the team’s sponsors: Specialty Commercial Contractors, Self Image Photography, El Zarape, Edge for Life, Rosco Installers, Life Sports, Russell Fire and Safety, Matt Medley State Farm Agent, Lieberman Family Chiropractic, Russell Fire Protection, Compass Technology Services, Classic Impressions Photography and Shane’s Rib Shack.