COVINGTON, Ga. -- The Newton Rams softball team joined 2016 region champion Grayson and Archer as one of three Region 8-AAAAAAA teams to jump out to a 1-0 start in region play. 

For Newton, it happened Tuesday night as the Lady Rams edged South Gwinnett 3-2 at Newton. Britney Ellis got the win in the pitcher's circle, tossing five strikeouts and giving up just four hits in a complete game win that pushed Newton's record to 3-2 in the young season. 

The Lady Rams used a three-run spurt in the bottom of the second inning to get an early advantage on the Lady Comets, and then watched their defense do the rest. South Gwinnett scored both of its runs in a top-of-the-seventh inning push to  at least send the game into extra innings.

Newton's Aulora Edwards provided much of the offense by going 1-for-2 at the plate, but driving in two RBIs with a double. Kaitlyn Neely also brought in a run for Newton. 

Since dropping its first two games of the season, the Newton's victory over South Gwinnett gave it its third straight 'W.'

The Rams will head to Loganville Thursday for a 7 p.m. game with region-leading Grayson (5-1, 1-0) and then will be back home next Tuesday to welcome Archer (4-2, 1-0).