Neshoba seeks better start in 2002

By By Marty Stamper / EMG sports assistant
Aug. 15, 2002
After losing their first five games a year ago, the Neshoba Central Lady Rockets finished 14-16 in slow-pitch softball action.
They'd like to get off to a better start in 2002, but making the state playoffs is their prime concern.
Luke will start sophomore Samantha Giambrone at first base, senior Alana Moore at second base, sophomore Jessi Nowell at shortstop, junior Sarah Williamson at third base, junior Dacie Brantley at catcher, junior Lindsey Smith on the mound, junior Allison McDaniel in left field, sophomore Kadye Chandler in left-center, junior Amber Dean in right-center, and junior Nakecia Buckley in right field.
Sophomore Celeste Burt will also see time in the lineup. Freshmen Sondreia Hillie, Laura Smith, and Whitnee White will also factor into the lineup during the year.
As for the returnees, several of them will have to have good years for the Lady Rockets to be successful.
Moore was the team's MVP in 2001, batting .560. "She's my one senior and she did a super job for us last year," Luke said.
The only seniors gone from last year's team are first baseman Lee Smith and outfielder Lindsey Herrington.
The Lady Rockets compete in Division 2-4A where they went 4-3 last fall. League champion New Hope went on to win the Class 4A state championship and will be stout again this year as seven starters return.
Last year, the Lady Rockets lost 6-1 and 9-3 to New Hope, split two with Louisville winning 9-5 and losing 11-4 beat West Point 16-2 with the second game getting rained out, and swept Noxubee County 20-4 and 20-3.