Published: May 15, 2008 07:38 pm            

EC softball finished with 26-18 mark

DECATUR — Another successful campaign was recently completed by the East Central Community College fast-pitch softball team, which finished 2008 with a 26-18 record under fifth-year head coach Scott Hill.

The Lady Diamond Warriors’ season came to an end following narrow losses to Northeast Mississippi Community College and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in the Region 23 Tournament held May 2-4 at Traceway Park in Clinton.

In the matchup with Northeast in first-round action, the Lady Tigers jumped out to a 5-2 lead after three innings and held on for a 6-3 decision, despite being out-hit 11-9 by the ECCC squad.

The EC offense was led by Leah Dennis, a product of Neshoba Central High School, who went four-for-four at the plate with four singles. Sondreia Hillie, also a Neshoba Central product, doubled and singled and collected an RBI. Recording doubles each were Allison Phillips of Leake Academy and Lindsey Stevens of Newton County. Whitnee White and Laura Smith, both of Neshoba Central, and Haley Chipley of Carthage had singles each. White and Smith also knocked in a run a piece.

Codee Russell of Leake Academy took the loss for EC on the mound. She allowed five earned runs on nine hits through six innings. She fanned two batters.

East Central was eliminated from the double-elimination tournament after falling 2-1 to the Lady Bulldogs during second-day competition.

After taking a 1-0 lead in the second inning, the Lady Diamond Warriors allowed single runs in the third and fifth innings and Gulf Coast held on for the victory.

White homered to lead the EC offense, which managed just four hits. Singles were recorded by Hillie, Phillips and Shenique Brass of Philadelphia.

Amber Smith of Union took the loss for EC on the mound, allowing two earned runs on six hits through five-and two-thirds innings. She fanned two batters and walked one. Smith was relieved by Brass who got the final out.

East Central advanced to post-season play after finishing second in the MACJC Central Division with a 12-4 record. The Lady Diamond Warriors posted a 2-2 mark in state tournament action held April 25-27 at Clinton High School.

        

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