BOGUE CHITTO — Two old rivals, Bogue Chitto and West Lincoln,square off today at Bogue Chitto’s Stan Long Field to settle theClass 1A South State slowpitch softball championship. Thebest-of-three series begins at 5 p.m.

In the North, Myrtle (27-5) plays Hamilton (21-11) today for theNorth state championship. The state championship round is set forSaturday at V.A. Fields in Jackson.

Coach Andrew Redd expects a battle at Bogue Chitto. “It’s goodto see both of us there. It shows how strong softball is in LincolnCounty. It says a lot for these programs.”

Bogue Chitto was state runner-up last year. Two years beforethat, the Lady Bears were South State runners-up. Last year, theBears met BC in the South semifinals.

The Bears (19-8). Britnee Smith pitches for West Lincoln. MeganNeal is at first base, Hannah Knouse at second base, Kacey Smith atshortstop, Holli Smith at third base, Kelsey Smith at catcher, KeriEasley in left field, Carrie Fauver in left-center, April Kennedyin right-center and Heather Huff in right. Brittani Phillips servesas extra hitter.

Kennedy, Britnee Smith and Phillips are the only seniors on thesquad.

“Holli has been hitting the ball well, lately,” said Redd.

West Lincoln (19-8) whipped Weir and Puckett in the first tworounds of the playoffs. Britnee Smith pitched all four wins.

Holli Smith had 5 hit in the sweep of Puckett, including adouble. Fauver and Kacie Smith doubled.

The two rivals have played only twice this season, both Division7-1A games. One game went 9 innings at West Lincoln and BCprevailed 9-2. Two weeks ago, BC beat West Lincoln 10-0 at BogueChitto.

“Bogue Chitto is solid up and down the lineup,” said Redd.”Their outfield is extremely fast. They take away a lot of theroutine base hits.”

Lady ‘Cats On A Roll

Bogue Chitto (26-3) pounded Nanih Waiya and Sebastopol in thefirst two rounds. Coach Scott Leggett’s Lady ‘Cats beat Sebastopol11-0 and 7-6 last Saturday on the road.

Starting for the Lady ‘Cats are Chelsey Miller in right-centerfield, Candace Avants in left-center, Meleah Brown at shortstop,Kelli Howard in left, Latoya Braxton at pitcher, Devon Welch atsecond base, Dori Hall at first base, Jessie Miller at third base,Shaquille Burton at catcher, and Caitlin Owen in right field.

Braxton pitched both victories. Chelsey Miller slugged 2 homersin the sweep. Meleah Brown also homered. Kelli Howard collected 4hits.

“This matchup says a lot for Lincoln County,” said Leggett. “Ibelieve we are the two best teams in the South.”

Leggett believes it will be an exciting series. “West Lincoln isa great ball team. They are capable at anytime of blowing a gameopen.

“We must play good defense and hit the ball.”

Last year, Leggett’s girls advanced to the state finals, losingto Ingomar.