Large field for softball tourney

By By Jeff Byrd / sports editor
March 15, 2003
One of the biggest fast-pitch softball tournaments in Mississippi will descend on Meridian today at Northeast Park.
Clarkdale girl's softball coach Rick Roberson says he has lined up a field of 23 teams for the Clarkdale Fast-pitch Invitational. Action begins in the morning.
Teams have been drawn into four pools and will continue through Saturday. There will be no overall champion.
Teams will play four games in its respective pools. The pool champion will earn a title trophy for winning its pool.
Harrison Central, currently 8-0 on the season, will meet Southaven on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at Northeast Park. Harrison Central beat Southaven for the 5A championship last year in Jackson.
Also in the pool is perennial power Pascagoula.
The Alabama contingent includes Tuscaloosa Central and Bibb County out of Centerville.
Roberson's Lady Bulldogs will play in the same pool as Harrison Central, Southaven and Pascagoula.
Clarkdale faced Harrison Central on Tuesday night in Gulfport. The Lady Bulldogs were beaten 4-0, as Harrison Central pitchers Shelly Lavender and Brittany Ladner tossed a no-hitter.
Clarkdale pitcher Emily Howard allowed just three hits to Harrison Central. Howard, a junior, led Clarkdale to the 2A State title last year in Jackson.
Also playing in the tournament from the area will be the Meridian High Lady Wildcats, Union, defending 3A State Champ Newton County, Northeast Lauderdale and Union.