For her efforts on the mound last week for Eastside, the Eagles' starting varsity softball pitcher Caitlin Ray has been named the Eastside Athlete of the Week.

Last week against Lumpkin County, Ray threw six complete innings for Eastside on the mound, picking up the win for the Eagles after allowing three hits and two walks. Ray also had seven strikeouts.

The victory over the Indians allowed Eastside to clinch the No. 3 seed in the state playoffs in Region 4-AAAA.

Eastside coach Jason Stokes said that as Ray goes, so do the Eagles.

"All year long she's been the best pitcher we've had," Stokes said. "She's been our most consistent starter. I feel like the team rallies around her. When she plays well, it seems like the rest of the team does."

With the state playoffs starting this week, the sophomore has high hopes for the Eagles

"I want to get past the second round," Ray said. "I've really enjoyed my team this season."

Eastside opens state playoff action today on the road against Redan in a best 2-out-of-3 matchup.

Game times are set for 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.