Rheagan Welch’s sweet, feminine demeanor is a camouflage for a fierce competitive spirit on the softball field. The Bogue Chitto senior’s gritty pitching skills directed the Lady Cats all the way to the MHSAA Class 1A South State Championship Series against Nanih Waiya.

Welch’s accomplishments in the circle are recognized around the state. They have earned her The Daily Leader’s Defensive Player of the Year honors on the 2013 All-Area Fastpitch Softball Team. She shares that title with Copiah Academy’s Kaitlyn Taylor and Jordan Jones.

“Rheagan is a great pitcher,” said Bogue Chitto coach Scott Leggett. “She has devoted a lot of her time to developing those skills.”

Welch, a 5-foot-4 right-hander, has signed a scholarship with Copiah-Lincoln Community College. She compiled a 12-5 record this season. She struck out 110 batters and walked 34 in 113 innings. She posted a feisty 1.05 ERA.

“I like to throw the riseball first,” explained Welch. She also challenges batters with a fastball, curve, screw, changeup and drop curve. She takes private pitching lessons from Jimmy Rhodus of Summit.

Leggett said Welch was a good pitcher as a freshman. “When she was a ninth grader, we had to put her in a state championship game when we beat Smithville. She won two games against Smithville in 2010. She pitched good in 2012 against West Union,” when the Lady Cats made a successful title defense.

She tossed a 2-hitter against Nanih Waiya in a 1-0 playoff loss to the eventual state champion.

“I had a good defense working behind me,” said Welch. Her catcher, Adrienne Wallace, caught her for 3 years. Wallace also has signed with Co-Lin.

“I enjoy working with Adrienne,” said Welch.

BC junior first baseman Alexis Givens complimented her senior pitcher. “Rheagan has the heart to win. She plays hard.”

Welch said she plans to major in either nursing or x-ray technology at Co-Lin.