Daniel High School softball coaches and players celebrate following their victory over Darlington for the Class 3A State championship on Tuesday in Darlington. (Carl Ackerman/Photo)

CENTRAL — The Daniel High School softball team earned its first-ever State championship on Tuesday, May 21, to cap a stellar year for the school’s sports programs.

In addition to the Lady Lions, who ran undefeated through the playoffs and earned the State title with a 4-0 win at Darlington, the Daniel boys’ and girls’ track and field squads also earned Class 3A championships earlier this month to go along with the Lion boys’ cross-country squad’s State crown earned in the fall.

Senior Carley Hoover, who has already signed to pitch for Stanford University, threw a no-hitter against the Falcons in the title-clinching victory after taking a perfect game into the final inning.

The Lady Lions broke open a scoreless game in the fifth inning when freshmen Carley Pace and Jaliyah Sanford crossed home plate, then added some insurance in the following inning when Longwood University signee Jenna Carnes crushed a two-run home run to center field.

The Town of Central is planning to honor all four Daniel State championship squads prior to its June 10 council meeting with a special recognition ceremony, where all players and coaches will be presented with certificates recognizing them for their accomplishments.