Fastpitch softball is an exciting sport, a demanding sport.

Baseball enthusiasts might huff and puff when some journalistsuggests that the two diamond sports are similar. The softballsport, reserved for females in Mississippi, continues to grow inpopularity because of its fast-paced, hard-hitting venue.

You must watch softball up front and personal to appreciate itthe most. The close proximity of the pitching circle and the basesto home plate increase the intensity. You can see it in theplayers’ sweat-streaked faces.

As one veteran coach concluded, “Fastpitch softball requires aspecial athlete.”

For sure, it helps to be physically mean and lean, quick andfast. Big and strong young women can play the game, too. It helpsto be quick-minded. Smart players often think ahead. They cananticipate the next move, just like baseball players.

A high grade of softball competition is played on the juniorcollege level in Mississippi. It was clearly evident Tuesdayafternoon as Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Lady Wolves hostedthe No. 11-ranked Gulf Coast Lady Bulldogs.

Co-Lin won the opener 8-7 in 10 innings. The two teams battledtooth and nail for over three hours. Game Two was no different asGulf Coast rallied for a 9-7 victory.

Coach Allen Kent anticipated a major rebuilding project for hisLady Wolves this season. Usually in the hunt for the SouthDivision’s top rung and a berth in the state playoffs, they havefaltered at times against stronger foes.

The split with South Division leader Gulf Coast was encouraging.It could have easily been a sweep.

Overall, Gulf Coast (25-9) stands at 13-2 in the South. Co-Linis 6-11 in the South and 18-16 overall.

Co-Lin is chasing East Central (23-9, 10-5), Pearl River (17-13,9-5) and Jones County (26-8, 10-6) in the South. Trailing Co-Linare Southwest (12-16, 4-10) and Hinds (8-24, 1-15).

The top four teams will qualify for the MACJC State Tournamentnext month. Potentially, Co-Lin could catch fire and make the stateplayoffs. Much of the team’s success depends on pitching.

Sophomore Bethany Pinkston is Co-Lin’s No. 1 hurler. FreshmenSarah Anthony and Brooke Delaughter are being counted on to fillthat critical No. 2 role in the pitching rotation.

Speaking of pitching and the playoffs, Co-Lin’s baseball team isshowing signs of improvement as the second half of the SouthDivision schedule heats up. The Wolfpack, standing at 16-14 overalland 5-7 in the South, is fresh from a split with Pearl River(20-10, 7-5) at Poplarville.

Co-Lin got a strong pitching performance from sophomore BrandonJones in last Saturday’s split at Gulf Coast. The Pack also got animpressive effort from freshman Raymond Winter in the win at PearlRiver.

Overall, Coach Keith Case’s Wolves have shown prowess in thefield and at the plate. A lack of consistent pitching has beentheir downfall. Obviously, they need more depth in the bullpen.

Gulf Coast (16-14, 9-3) and Jones County (21-4, 8-4) arebattling for the South’s top rung. Pearl River and East Central(19-13, 6-6) are fighting for third place. Southwest (15-13, 4-8)and Hinds (17-13, 3-8)are trailing Co-Lin as the scramble for thestate playoffs intensifies.

In the North Division, Holmes and Northwest are the titlecontenders. Trailing them are Itawamba and East Mississippi, a.k.a.Scooba Tech.

The 10th Annual MSGranPrix returns to Lincoln County nextweekend, April 15-17. Back by popular demand is the Bank ofBrookhaven Downtown Criterium that will be held Friday night at 7p.m.

Also on tap are three more bicycle races. The Saturday morningAlford Lumber Road Race will be launched at Heucks Retreat BaptistChurch and feature a grueling 75-mile distance for the mostexperience riders. The afternoon Time Trial will be held at CalvaryBaptist Church in Bogue Chitto. Sunday’s circuit race has beenmoved from the Co-Lin campus to a Lake Lincoln this year.

Richard Barker, serving as the weekend’s organizer and directorand race promoter, said the event has grown in popularity among thecycling world. He said the Category 1-2-3 racers have theopportunity to compete in four races in three days.

Around 150 racers from the southeastern states are expected toparticipate.

Write to sports editor Tom Goetz, c/o The DAILY LEADER, P.O.Box 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or e-mailsports@dailyleader.com