MA finishes 24-9


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MA finishes 24-9

Photo by Jane Ann Autry

Lady Patriot Megan Watkins (3) slides safely into second base versus Columbia at state.

The Marshall Academy softball team, with just two seniors, wrapped up a successful season Wednesday, Oct. 3, with one win at the Class AA State Tournament.

“It was our first victory in a state tournament in a few years and it was a good feeling,” coach Carlton Gibson said. “The girls played well. They had a goal to get further in state than we did last year and we accomplished that goal.”

Seniors are Megan Watkins and Macie McClure.

“They really stepped up Wednesday (at state) and finished their high school careers on a positive note,” Gibson said.

Photos by Jane Ann Autry

Marshall third baseman Elizabeth Skelton throws to first as a Columbia player eases off second.

MA 7 Columbia 0

The Lady Pats were the home team, and Alaken McNeer started in the circle and made quick work of the first three batters.

Hayleigh Mason got things going for MA with a solo shot over the left field fence. Darcie Gibson drew a walk, then McClure roped a triple to left field to score Gibson, followed by Watkins’ single to score McClure. It was 3-0.

The second inning was scoreless.

In the third, Columbia threatened with a leadoff single but the runner was thrown out by catcher Kat Moore when she tried to steal second.

Marshall added two in the third. Gibson singled; McClure walked; then Watkins singled to score both her teammates.

McNeer again shut down Columbia, giving up one single in the fourth.

Alexis McGreger led off with a single in the bottom of the fourth. Then Gibson singled to score McGreger.

Columbia threatened again in the fifth but was not able to push a run across.

Darcie Gibson gets into second safely as the ball bounces away.

The big hitters for the Lady Patriots were Mason with her home run; Gibson and McClure, both two for two; Watkins, two for three; and Elizabeth Skelton and McGreger, each with a single.

McNeer pitched a complete game, giving up just three hits.

First baseman Macie McClure stretches for the ball as a Columbia runner arrives at the bag.

Canton 9 MA 1

Marshall just could not get the bats going consistently versus Canton in an elimination game.

Watkins had a good game at the plate – going three for three. Mason was two for three and Maura Jane Autry picked up a single.

McNeer pitched five complete innings – giving up nine hits and six earned runs.

Gibson went to the circle in the sixth, but time limit was called before the inning was finished.

The Lady Pats had fallen 12-7 to Sylva Bay on the first day of the double-elimination state tournament September 29. The tourney was played at Liberty Park in Flowood (near Jackson).

MA finishes the season with a 24-9 record.

“Our biggest goal at the beginning of the season was to win district,” coach Marcus Moore said. “We accomplished that. We placed third in the North and we finished in the top six at state.

“We improved over last year and that is all we can ask of them. We are proud to have had the opportunity to coach each one of them. We look forward to another great season next year.”

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