Clarkdale falls in battle of softball state champs

By By Jeff Byrd / sports editor
March 12, 2003
Defending 2A state champion Clarkdale took on defending 5A state champion Harrison Central in a meeting of two the oldest fast-pitch programs in Mississippi.
But it was Harrison Central's tough pitching that proved to be too big of a mountain for the Lady Bulldogs to climb.
Brittany Ladner and Shelly Lavender combined on a one hit 4-0 shutout at Harrison Central on Tuesday night.
The Red Rebelettes (8-0) are looking forward to playing in this weekend's Clarkdale fast-pitch tournament at Northeast Park.
Harrison Central is scheduled to have a rematch of last April's state 5A final with Southhaven on Saturday morning in Meridian.
Clarkdale (4-2) got its only hit in the first inning by Megan Potate, with two outs. Clarkdale would not have another runner for the rest of the game.
Ladner struck out nine before leaving after four innings. Lavender pitched the final three innings, fanning four to get the save.
Harrison Central did just that in their first at bat, getting a bunt single from Lavender followed later by a sharp single down the third base line from Brittney Farmer that scored Lavender for a 1-0 lead.
Brandi Farmer, who was on second, came around to score on a throwing error to make it 2-0.
Harrison Central added a run in the fourth when Brittany Farmer singled, stole second and scored on Megan Pittman's ground ball.
The final run came in the sixth when Ladner scored on a wild pitch.