From staff reports

The Bowdon High School softball team finished in third place at the Class A State Tournament in Columbus on Saturday, falling to eventual state champion Eagle’s Landing Christian in a 2-0 contest.

The Red Devilettes ran into the juggernaut that is ELCA hurler Hope Rush, who no-hit Bowdon for the second time in as many games at the state tournament, spoiling a tremendous effort from Bowdon pitcher Elaina Thompson in her own right.

Thompson wouldn’t allow an earned run in the complete-game setback, yielding just four hits and no walks, while fanning three.

ELCA, which went on to defeat Gordon Lee twice on Saturday to claim the state title, scored single runs in the second and fourth innings against Bowdon, which was going after its second state title in the past four years.

Bowdon coach Ralph Sanders said he couldn’t be prouder of this group, as the Red Devilettes fought off elimination in both the sectional tournament at and state on several occasions to keep their title dreams alive.

“I’m extremely happy with the way we played,” Sanders said. “We played extremely well, we hit the ball real well.”