By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

During his three decades as LaGrange Academy’s softball coach, Charles Parker has led five teams to state championships.

If the plan comes together, Parker and his players will be celebrating state championship number six on Saturday.

LaGrange Academy is the top seed in the four-team GISA Class A state tournament, and it will play fourth-seeded Twiggs Academy in a best-of-three series on Tuesday beginning at 1 p.m.

If LaGrange Academy beats Twiggs Academy, it would host the state-championship series on Saturday against either Flint River or Thomas Jefferson Academy.

It has already been an exceptional season for LaGrange Academy, which improved to 11-3 with last week’s 6-3 win over Terrell Academy.

“The girls, they’ve done a good job of coming together, and playing as a team,” Parker said.

LaGrange Academy is a mixture of veterans, as well as newcomers who have blended in nicely.

The team’s lone senior is outfielder Megan Allen, and she and junior pitcher Amber Corley and sophomore shortstop Laney Lackey have been playing together for three seasons.

Corley is LaGrange Academy’s top pitcher, and she gives LaGrange Academy an opportunity to win anytime she’s on the mound.

“If Amber’s throwing the ball good, we can play with any school,” Parker said.

Other regular members of the LaGrange lineup include outfielders Natalee Waddell, Kelsey Cotton, catcher Madison Petite, and infielders Kayla McBride, McKenzie Jones Caley Worsley.

It’s a group of players who Parker believes have shown their commitment to the team with their work ethic.

“We worked out a good part of the summer,” Parker said. “The girls have bought into it, and it’s paid off for us.”

LAGRANGE ACADEMY VS. 

TWIGGS ACADEMY

WHAT: Semifinals of GISA Class A state playoffs

WHEN: Tuesday 1 p.m.

FORMAT: Best-of-three series (all games to be played on Tuesday)

WHERE: LaGrange Academy

ON THE LINE: Winner plays for state title on Saturday