BOGUE CHITTO — The West Lincoln Lady Bears celebrated theirDivision 7-1A slowpitch softball championship Monday night afterdefeating the Bogue Chitto Lady ‘Cats 4-3. Coach Andrew Redd’s teamraised their record to 17-5 overall and 6-0 in the divisionrace.

West Lincoln will host an opening round best-of-three seriesOct. 7, when the state playoffs begin. Bogue Chitto (12-8, 3-2),the defending state 1A slowpitch champion, must defeat NatchezCathedral Thursday to secure the runner-up spot in the division andland a berth in the state playoffs. The game will be played at BC,starting at 6 p.m.

“It’s been a long time since three teams have been competitivefor the division title,” said Redd. “We were fortunate to come outon top. It’s been several years since we went undefeated indistrict.”

Redd’s girls will participate in the Ole Brook TournamentSaturday at the Hansel King Sportsplex.

His Lady Bears carried a 4-0 lead into the bottom of theseventh. BC rallied for 3 runs with one out but left the tying runon base.

“Congratulations to West Lincoln,” said BC coach Scott Leggett.”They deserved to win it.

“Now we must take control of our destiny. First of all, we haveto get by Natchez Cathedral. We must win that game,” to secure No.2 in the division.

At the plate, 2 singles by Julie Case, Ashley McCaffrey andAlexis Cook had 2 hits for the Bears. Laina Laird doubled. HannahKnouse, Keri Easley and winning pitcher Jessica Franklinsingled.

Franklin (2 K, 4 BB) went the distance. Blaine Myers (0 K, 2 BB)absorbed the loss.

The ‘Cats got singles from Darcy Miller, Josie Porter, HollyMiller, Chris May, Adrienne Wallace and Myers.

In the JV game, Bogue Chitto beat West Lincoln 9-5. Darcy Miller(2 K, 0 BB) pitched the win and Kayla Beth Rushing (1 K, 8 BB) tookthe loss.

At the plate, 2 singles by Adrienne Wallace and Hailey Estessled BC’s attack. Adrienne Hall, Mattie Avants and Shelby Tobiassingled.

West Lincoln got 2 hits from Karli Herrington and Rushing.Taylor Lofton doubled. Peyton Mullins, Katie Mullins and TaylorCrews singled.