By By Jamie Sullivan/The Meridian Star
Oct. 24, 2001
October is sure to be the season of upsets, as the Lady Warriors of Nanih Waiya knocked off the Lady Yellowjackets in Union Tuesday night.
The two split the first two games, leading up for a nail bitter for the third and deciding game of the series.
The Lady Jackets needed only a one more defensive stand to advance to the Class 1A State Championship to be played Saturday in Jackson. However, the Lady Warriors would not let that be, as Amber Eaves led the inning off with a single.
The Lady Jackets got the next batter out, but that was not enough. Daphanie Hemphill advanced Eaves to second base on a base hit single. The next batter, senior Alanna Hickman, ripped a shot up the middle to score Eaves and Hatcher for the win.
The Lady Warriors have made the playoffs the past two years under Holdiness. Last year the Lady Warriors lost to the eventual state champion Mercy Cross. However, the Lady Warriors have a different outlook this year. The Lady Warriors will travel to Jackson, Saturday to face the winner of Hamilton and Myrtle for the Class 1A State Championship.
Nanih Waiya 12
Union 2
In the first game, Nanih Waiya was led in hitting by Hemphill, as she was 2-for-2, and Ashley Pugh, and Jessica Oswalt was 2-for-3. Union got a pair of singles from Lauren White and a double from Lindsey Cassel. Senior pitcher Liz Kirk got the win, as Madison Brantley suffered the lose.
Union 12
Nanih Waiya 10
In the second game, White had three singles and a double to lead the Lady Jackets. Tiffany Thomas had two singles and a triple to drive in three runs. Morgan Milling had three singles. Marley Smith, LaSaundra Harrison, and Amy Dolan each had two singles with Lindsey Walker adding a double. Madison Brantley picked up the win, and Liz Kirk suffered the lose.
In the third game, Milling had three singles, while White had two singles. Brantley the suffered the lose, and Kirk picked up her second win of the night. Pitcher Madison Brantley finished her 2001 campaign at 26-7, the same as her club's final record.
Jamie Sullivan is a sports writer for the Meridian Star. He can be reached at 693-1551.