Sophomore pitcher Mandy Vinson received the Most Valuable Playeraward Tuesday night at the Brookhaven High School FastpitchSoftball Awards dinner. Vinson, according to BHS softball coachLisa Covington, showed steady improvement as the season progressedand helped lead the Lady Panthers to an 8-5 record. “Mandy has thepotential to become an outstanding pitcher.”

The dinner was held at the palatial Hoff estate, located off HogChain Drive. Greg and Jodi Hoff served as hosts, providing the teammembers and guests with a hamburger supper and delicious, homemadebanana splits for desert.

“Fastpitch is a fun game and it’s here to stay,” said Covington.”You can steal and bunt in fastpitch. It’s a lot different gamefrom slowpitch.”

Covington, who coaches fast and slowpitch, thanked the playersfor their efforts and recognized the parents for their supportduring the season. Her junior varsity team finished 4-3.

Seniors Juliana Wallace and Angela DeLaughter were recognizedfor their team leadership. Wallace will attend Millsaps Collegewhere she will play softball and basketball. DeLaughter plans toplay softball at Co-Lin.

Leftfielder Chuvaqua Smith was recognized as the Most ValuableOffensive Player last night. Second baseman Ginny Dunaway was namedMost Valuable Defensive Player.

Rightfielder Ashley Sykes was named Rookie of the Year.

Covington recognized three players with the Gatorade Will To WinAward, calling it her “go get ’em” award. The trio included firstbaseman Samantha Boutwell, catcher Cortney Fielder and thirdbaseman Megan Bateman.

Lady Panthers named to the All-Division team were Vinson,Dunaway and Smith.