{
  "id": 165518,
  "title": "Vote for the top returning softball player in the Greater Savannah area",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/vote-for-the-top-returning-softball-player-in-the-greater-savannah",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-05T08:03:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vote-top-returning-softball-player-080316468.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the new high school softball season commences in the Greater Savannah region, the stage is set for an exciting competition after an impressive run last year, with three local teams advancing to the Elite Eight in the GHSA. Notable among them are South Effingham, who reached the Class 5A state finals, and Effingham County, the region's 5A champions that made their way to Columbus for the Class 5A Elite Eight.\n\nRichmond Hill also claimed a regional title and advanced to the Elite Eight in Class 6A, while South Effingham and Effingham County will play in the Class 6A competition. A number of talented players are making their return to the squad, including South Effingham catcher Danni Lynn, the All-Greater Savannah Player of the Year last season, who has committed to play at Maryland. Her fellow seniors, Justine Nevels and Alyssa Martin, have both pledged their allegiance to UNC Wilmington.\n\nThe Greater Savannah Sports section has published a list of the top returning softball players for the 2026 season, inviting readers to cast their vote in an open poll. The voting window will close on Thursday, August 13, at 10 a.m. The candidates for the Preseason Savannah Area Softball Player of the Year are as follows:\n\n1. Danni Lynn, South Effingham, senior, Catcher\n2. Cheniyah Jackson, South Effingham, senior, Pitcher\n3. Justine Nevels, South Effingham, senior, First Baseman\n4. Alyssa Martin, South Effingham, senior, Third Baseman\n5. Aubrey Ragins, Richmond Hill, senior, Shortstop\n6. Sydney Minshall, South Effingham, junior, Shortstop\n7. Ava Wiley, Effingham County, senior, Pitcher/Designated Hitter\n8. Mady Reagan, Effingham County, senior, Outfielder\n9. Rosie Dixon, South Effingham, senior, Pitcher/Infielder\n10. Kenzi Polk, South Effingham, senior, Outfielder\n11. Cheyenne Hart, Effingham County, senior, Shortstop\n12. Kainani Auld, Richmond Hill, senior, Shortstop\n13. Ashella Matias, Richmond Hill, senior, Outfielder\n14. Gessilyn Clark, Richmond Hill, junior, Outfielder\n15. Emily Johnson, Bryan County, senior, First Baseman\n16. Lila Hannah, Bryan County, junior, Pitcher\n17. Heather Garrett, Bradwell Institute, senior, Infielder\n18. Layla Santiago, Liberty County, junior, Pitcher\n19. Jenny Parker, Effingham County, senior, First Baseman\n20. Brighton Harpe, Liberty County, senior\n\nThe reader poll will provide a platform for fans to express their opinions and select their favorite among these talented athletes.",
  "summary": "Here's a chance for readers to weigh in and select the Greater Savannah area preseason Softball Player of the Year for the 2026 season.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}