Up close &personal with MCC softball team

By Staff
May 21, 2004
Nikki McClaskey
McClaskey came to MCC from Northwest Rankin High School, where she played for numerous championships at the Class 5A power. McClaskey has carried over that success into her college career as a member of the Lady Eagle softball team. McClaskey has played a majority of her first season in the outfield for MCC and had a .953 fielding percentage.
McClaskey ended the season with a .248 batting average and collected 11 RBIs as a freshman.
"It was a bad experience to start the season, but we are starting to come together as a team," McClaskey said. "We have been the underdog all season and we have overcome that tag to earn the trip to the national tournament."
McClaskey played in 44 games this season for the Lady Eagles and had 33 total hits. McClaskey scored 14 runs and had four doubles and a homer.
Stephanie Choo
Choo has traveled a long and interesting road to become the ace pitcher on the staff at MCC. Choo went to high school in Canada and is from the providence of British Columbia. The biggest question with the freshman pitcher is how did she make it all the way to Mississippi from our neighbors to the north.
"One of the former players at MCC (Stephanie Dixon) was from Canada and she told me that MCC was looking for a pitcher this season," Choo said. "It has been a great experience playing softball here in Mississippi and it is very different from home."
Choo has pitched in 31 games for the Lady Eagles this season and has tossed 185.2 innings. Choo has complied a 3.66 ERA and has tallied 84 strikeouts in her first season in junior college softball.
Choo has recorded a 10-18 record this season.
"We did a great job of pitching the ball during the regional tournament," said MCC head coach Robert Eakins. Choo was in the lineup for 23 games this season and ended the season with a .211 batting average, with 12 hits and seven runs scored.
Kirby Shelby
Shelby has been the second pitcher this season and went 3-0 in the regional tournament in three relief appearances. The former Terry High School standout has complied a 2.57 ERA this season in 21 games pitched for the Lady Eagles.
"I just come into the game and try to get the job done," Shelby said. "We had a great run in the tournament and coming into the game in close situations puts a lot of pressure on any player, but luckily we performed well in those type games."
Shelby pitched 122.2 innings and ended the 2004 season with a 10-10 record, while collecting 55 strikeouts. Shelby allowed 45 walks and surrendered three home runs in her pitching performances.
Shelby was in the lineup for 37 games during the regular season and had a .196 batting average. Shelby had 21 hits and was second on the team with three triples this year.
Raleigh Odom
Odom is among several players on the MCC squad that decided to stay close to home and play junior college softball. Odom came to the Lady Eagle softball program from Northeast Lauderdale after participating in the first ever fast-pitch softball team at Northeast Lauderdale.
"I guess I am a little bit of a homebody," Odom said. "I guess it was an obvious choice to come to MCC from high school because it was so close to home and everything has seemed to work out so far."
Odom has worked out well in the MCC lineup putting herself among some of the leaders in several offensive categories. Odom is sporting a .316 batting average with is third best on the team and has 48 total hits this season. The freshman shortstop is currently holding a .408 slugging percentage and has one home run.
Odom has complied a .909 fielding percentage at shortstop and has turned nine double plays on defense.
Jor'Dan Orr
The former Clarkdale Lady Bulldog has been a part of a rich softball tradition under long time head coach Rick Roberson. Orr ended her first season at MCC with a .250 batting average and has played a majority of her time at second base.
"It has been a long season and we are hoping that this coming up weekend will be a very special one," Orr said. "The most important thing will be if we can play together as a team and if we can do that then we will be fine."
Orr had 34 total hits this season and was among the team leaders in doubles with 10. Orr made two appearances on the mound this season for the Lady Eagles and ended the season with a 2.47 ERA. Orr (0-1) tossed 5.2 innings and allowed eight hits, while tallying two strikeouts.
Orr ended the year with a .913 fielding percentage and had three hits in the regional tournament to lead the Lady Eagles in the championship win.
compiled by Robby Atkinson