VALDOSTA — Stewart Thomas, head coach of the Lowndes High School softball team, is confident of his team’s growth in the GHSA fast pitch softball state championship series that begins today at the South Columbus Softball Complex in Columbus.

When asked about preparing for teams from East Coweta High School (Sharpsburg), North Gwinnett High School (Suwanee), North Cobb High School (Kennesaw), Brookwood High School (Snellville), Mill Creek High School (Hoschton), North Paulding High School (Dallas), and Buford High School (Buford), Thomas said, “Our kids are ready to compete. We are one unit.”

Before getting on the bus this week, the Lowndes Vikettes defeated Archer High School from Lawrenceville multiple times in the super regional Series to advance to the championship.

When considering the team’s overall record of 22-6 and a regional run of 10-1. Thomas said, “We’ve been getting hot at the right times.”

The Vikettes’ most formidable challenge yet might come this week with their first game of the GHSA fast pitch softball state championship series in their game against the Buford Wolves. The Wolves boast a stellar 28-0 record this season. This game will be the first challenge of many the Vikettes will have to overcome to take this series.

Coach Thomas understands the challenge and is ready to face it. He has high confidence in his team, especially the senior class. “Different classes peak at different times, and this class is peaking now,” he said.

The Vikings face Buford at 5 p.m. on Oct. 25 in Columbus.