BOGUE CHITTO — The Bogue Chitto Lady ‘Cats host the Lake LadyHornets tonight in the first round of the Class 1A state slowpitchsoftball playoffs. The best-of-three series begins at 5 p.m. andfollows with the second game at 6. If necessary, a third game willimmediately follow.

Bogue Chitto advanced to the state championship finals lastyear, falling in the championship game. The Lady ‘Cats have won sixstraight South State 1A titles and have been state runners-up in2004 and 2005.

“Lake has improved from last year,” said BC coach Scott Leggett.”They hit the ball hard up the middle. Defensively, the are prettysolid. They make you beat them. They don’t beat themselves.”

BC’s starting lineup includes LaToya Braxton, pitcher; BlaineMyers, catcher; Dori Hall, first base; Devon Welch, second base;Kelli Howard, short stop; Jessie Miller, third base; ChelseyMiller, left field; Candace Avants, left-centerfielder; ShaquilleBurton, right-centerfielder and Caitlyn Owen, right field.

Chelsey Miller is the leading hitter for the Lady ‘Cats with a.612 batting average. Braxton is hitting .597 followed by Burtonwith a. 579 average.

“Chelsey Miller hits the ball hard consistently,” said Leggett.”She hits hard line drives. Braxton and Burton have improved atbat.

“Defensively, we’re playing as good as we ever have.” saidLeggett. “Kelli does a good job hitting the ball for a 10th grader.Avants stands out on defense. She is the best leftfielder I haveever coached.”

Leggett added, “I hope and pray that this is our year.”

West Lincoln, runner-up to Bogue Chitto in the division race,visits Sebastopol today for a best-of-three series. The Lady Bearsare coached by Andrew Redd.

In Class 4A, Division 6 champion Lawrence County hostsPoplarville tonight for a best-of-three series. The Lady Cougarsare under the direction of first-year head coach Jill Haney.

In Class 3A, Franklin County hosts West Marion and North Pikehosts Hazlehurst in best-of-three action tonight. Franklin County,coached by Dana Smith, won the Division 6-3A title. North Pike,coached by Sonya Wallace, won the Division 7-3A crown.

Second round state playoff action is scheduled for Saturday.