DECATUR — The Co-Lin Lady Wolves saw their quest for astate/regional fastpitch softball title come to an end Saturdayafternoon.

Co-Lin led Gulf Coast 1-0 going into the bottom of the ninthinning but the Lady Bulldogs rallied for 2 runs to steal the winand eliminate the Lady Wolves from the MACJC State/Region 23Softball Tournament at East Central.

In Friday’s game, host East Central clipped Co-Lin 3-1 infirst-round action. In the winner’s bracket, Northeast Mississippistuffed East Central in the late game 5-0.

Co-Lin finished the season with a 27-6 record. Three of thoselosses were to Gulf Coast.

“I’m proud of the girls,” said Co-Lin head softball coach AllenKent. “We had a pretty darn good year considering the injuries wesuffered.”

East Central 3, Co-Lin 1

East Central went up 2-0 in the fourth inning as Co-Lincut the deficit to one run, 2-1, in the top of the sixth. The LadyWarriors came back with an insurance run in the sixth for the 3-1lead and eventual win.

“Their pitcher kept us off balance at the plate and weweren’t very patient,” said Kent. “We swung at a lot of balls outof the strike zone.”

Emily Horne was the losing hurler, scattering 6 hits.She struck out 7 batters, walked 2 and hit 2.

“It was a good, old-fashioned pitcher’s duel,” addedKent. “You got the feeling that whoever scored first would win andthat’s what happened.”

In the top of the sixth, Co-Lin’s Jessica Melton led offwith a bunt single. Melton advanced to second on a passed ball.Megan Bateman sacrificed Melton to third and Brandi Bridgesfollowed with a sacrifice fly to left to plate Melton.

Melton kept her hitting streak alive, extending it to 25games. Also singling for the Lady Wolves were Stacy Smith andBridges.

Gulf Coast 2, Co-Lin 1

Jackie Stowe was the losing pitcher with 2 runs allowedon 6 hits, 4 strikeouts and 2 walks.

Bridges led off the top of the ninth for the Lady Wolveswith a single to left field. Pitcher Jackie Stowe sacrificedBridges to second. Designated hitter Stacy Smith ripped a double toscore Bridges for the brief 1-0 lead.

“It was a great game, we just came out on the wrong endof it,” added Kent. “We hit the ball hard all days. It just seemedeverything was right at them.”

Stacy Smith led the Lady Wolves at the plate with 3hits. Also hitting safely were Amber Beeson, Mandy Vinson, Batemanand Bridges.