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Published Saturday, June 20, 2009 in Sports

Daniels walking on air after trip to World Series with Georgia

By Chris Goltermann

The Newnan Times-Herald

A base-on-balls isn't exactly the most exciting play college softball can offer. But during a freshman season full of fervor and high-pitch tension, Lisaira Daniels couldn't think of a better at-bat to sum up Georgia's first-ever trip to the College World Series.

When asked by a reporter to choose her most crucial plate appearance of a first-year where she started 53 of 59 games for the Bulldogs, finished with a .309 batting average and posted a two-hit effort off an All-American, it was a walk to first base that came to mind first.

And it wasn't Daniels that drew it, either.

Instead of pointing to herself, the former East Coweta standout drew attention to teammate Brianna Henson's bases-loaded walk in extra innings against Washington, one that staved off elimination.

The play, which ended a four-hour and 15 minute game, scored Daniels with the game-winning run.

"That was the biggest at bat of the season for us," said Daniels of Henson's walk against All-America pitcher Danielle Lawrie. "It was such a clutch moment for us, because it could have gone either way for us."

Helping the Bulldogs get to the World Series for the first time in school history may have been no walk in the park for Daniels. But as one of 10 freshmen on the nation's youngest roster, she was part of a 47-12 lineup that became one of a record three Southeastern Conference schools to reach the World Series in 2009.

Even when they arrived, Georgia was an afterthought as the No. 8 and last seed in the tournament. Despite losing its Series opener to Washington, the Bulldogs reeled off three straight wins, before being beaten again by the eventual NCAA champion Huskies.

"No one thought we should have been there, except ourselves," said Daniels, who led East Coweta to three consecutive Class AAAAA Elite 8 appearances in high school. "To finish in the top three at the World Series, I just think we had a phenomenal season."

Nearly three weeks has passed since Georgia returned home from the Series in Oklahoma City, satisfied, yet disappointed. There's been little time to dwell on the heroics as team members have either headed home or to other ventures, such as international tournaments this summer. Daniels, meanwhile, is in Athens, taking classes over both summer sessions and lending a hand at softball camps.

The 2010 season has yet to be brought up by Georgia head coach Lu Harris-Champer. But Daniels doesn't expect the philosophies instilled as a freshman to change.

"Coach is really big on hard work and playing hard," she said. "We never got sidetracked on the big goal. We knew there was work we had to do. From day one, we went through a program (she) called 'championship training.'"

Of the 10 freshmen, four started regularly this year for Harris-Champer, who had to rely on two seniors for leadership on a roster otherwise dominated by freshmen and sophomores. The SEC schedule got off to a slow start as well, losing back-to-back games against Florida where Georgia was outscored 19-0. They were equally swept by the SEC's other Series finalist, Alabama in early April.

"She told us before the season we have nothing to lose and everything to gain," said Daniels. "If something (bad) happens, learn from it, don't pout about it."

Having nine other first-year players may have been as much a positive, however. Daniels said the group shared a common bond while making the transition from high school to college ball.

Regardless, that transition seemed more like a leap, especially since Daniels faced a 15-month layoff between her last high school game in October 2007 and her college debut this past February.

"It was a huge, huge difference," she admitted. "We could not let up on anyone. In high school, there were some teams you knew weren't as good. In the SEC, every team is good. Pitching, hitting, all-around."

Georgia rebounded to finish the SEC schedule 18-7, but lost its conference tournament opener to Kentucky. Managing to push through their NCAA Regional at North Carolina, the Bulldogs twice had to rally to beat Ohio State to reach the World Series.

Daniels, who continues to wear uniform No. 18 she wore at East Coweta, credits her mother, Lisette, for helping her stay "humble." Both her mother and former Lady Indian teammate Kara Moore, now playing at Truett-McConnell, were among those to see her play in Oklahoma City.

Daniels didn't disappoint, going 4-for-12 with four runs and ending the tournament with a two-hit effort against Lawrie, arguably the nation's best pitcher, in Georgia's closing 8-3 loss.

"A lot of people from back home (contacted me)," she said. "I felt very proud to be representing Newnan. It was a very humbling experience for me."

It might have equally been one that was foreseen as well.

It wasn't long after Daniels arrived on campus in the fall that she felt a distinct suspicion that something special awaited the team in 2009, and felt compelled to tell one of her teammates.

"I don't even remember who I told it to, but I remember telling her that we were going to go to the World Series," she said. "I just had a feeling."

And next fall, Daniels and Georgia may be feeling a repeat is in store.