The Brookhaven faculty, family and softball booster club honoredtheir Lady Panther athletes with a spring banquet Monday night torecognize the girls for their hard work.

Brookhaven head softball coach Chad Walker welcomed the large crowdto the banquet that was held at the Southway Baptist Churchfellowship hall, located on the South Jackson Streetextension.

Walker, in his 5th year at the helm, said he was very proud of theyear they had. He thanked the Panther booster clubs and all of theofficers for their hard work during the season and making thisbanquet possible. He also gave thanks to his Lady Panthers fortheir hard work and effort during the season.

Walker commented on the team’s season. “We have improved a lot thisseason. The future looks bright for the Lady Panthers. We have ayoung, talented group coming back.”

Walker’s team improved their record to 12-11 overall and 1-3 inRegioin 5-5A after going 5-10 and 0-4 in 2010.

“We have a lot of young talented teams around here in LincolnCounty and as I tell our girls the sun will shine on us reallysoon.”

The Lady Panthers will lose three seniors to graduation: MadelineDeLaughter, Sarah Ayers and Erica Lenior.

During the meal, there was a highlight show to honor the athleteswith a series of photos to recognize them in their season. Afterenjoying a good meal, which was catered by Broma’s Deli, the awardswere presented to honor their hard work and a job well done.

First baseman Madeline DeLaughter was recognized as the MostValuable Player Award in softball. Erica Bridwell received the BestDefensive Player award and Shelby Peavey was selected as the BestOffensive Player.

Other awards went to: Rookie of the Year: Katherine Shell.Step-It-Up Award: Taylor Murray. Most Improved: Emily Freeman.Scholastic: Sarah Ayers. Panther Award: Dana Herring. All-District5-5A: Sarah Ayers, Shelby Peavey, and Madeline DeLaughter.

At the end of the ceremony, each player was presented a specialgift from the Booster Club for their participation.