Lady Cougars set to defend softball title
By By Marty Stamper / EMG sports assistant
May 1, 2003
For the Newton County Lady Cougars, this week is one in which they very much hope history repeats itself.
The Lady Cougars are the defending Class 3A state fast-pitch softball champions and have won the event two of the last three years.
This week finds Newton County, 28-4, taking on Caledonia, 23-7, for the 2003 state championship in a best-of-three series. Game One is set for Thursday at 6 p.m. at Decatur with Games Two and Three, if needed, Saturday at Caledonia with a 2 p.m. start.
The Lady Cougars and Lady Feds have already met once this year with Newton County taking a 1-0 win in the Clarkdale Spring Fling on March 15 at Northeast Park.
Newton County senior Lauren Barrett threw a no-hitter in the win. Caledonia ace Brittany Griffin allowed only three hits in taking the loss.
The teams also met in the 2002 New Hope Invitational with Newton County coasting to a 6-0 win as Joy Cavenaugh no-hit the Lady Feds.
Barrett (13-1) and Cavenaugh (11-1) will be looking to continue that trend when the teams hook up again this week.
Newton County is 6-0 in the 2003 playoffs, sweeping North Pike 17-1 and 12-0, Purvis 13-3 and 10-0, and Carthage 14-0 and 8-4.
Caledonia has traveled a tougher road in beating Itawamba AHS 9-1 and 9-1, Kossuth 2-4, 2-1, and 4-3, and Amory 4-2, 2-0.
Newton County head coach Mack Fanning was able to scout the Saturday games with Amory.
Winning a third title in four years would be a nice way for Fanning's nine seniors, seven of whom start, to go out.
In addition to Barrett, other senior starters are shortstop Kristin Chaney, second baseman Suzanne Chaney, right fielder Obreisha Davis, center fielder Shelly Ferguson, left fielder Holly Jackson, and designated hitter Jessica Sheehan.
Juniors with starting roles are Cavenaugh at first base and on the mound, third baseman Dominique Mapp, Haley Harris at first base, and Jennifer Smith at catcher.
In addition to Griffin, Caledonia's starting lineup includes Christy Pugh in center field, Sara Hicks at third base, Sally Kerstetter behind the plate, Lindsey Reynolds at shortstop, Katie Jo Hatcher in left field, Megan Johnson in right field, Stephanie Pounders at first base, and Elizabeth James at second base.
