By By Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
Aug. 7, 2001
As usual, the standards are set pretty high for the West Lauderdale Lady Knights as they prepare for the 2001 slow-pitch softball season.
West Lauderdale opens the season Saturday at the New Hope Preseason Tournament. The Lady Knights are defending Class 3A state champs, having posted a 40-4 record last season. And, in the final poll, West was rated No. 1 in the state.
Lost to graduation were pitcher Brandi Landrum, who led the team in batting with a .595 average; catcher Mandy McAlister, outfielder Keeley Rutledge and second baseman Ashley Jackson.
Hayley Scarborough returns at outfield after batting .468 last year. Britney Mosley is the first baseman while Amy Frazier will start at second base. J.J. Huggins will play at third base and Amber Joyner is the shortstop.
Jessica Etheridge, who pitched well during the state playoffs last fall, is back for her senior season, while the catcher is freshman Emily Jo Havard. Other outfielders will be Brandi Bounds and Kirby Rutledge.
WEST LAUDERDALE LADY KNIGHTS
2001 Softball Schedule
Aug. 11 – New Hope Preseason Tournament
Aug. 14 – Louisville
Aug. 16 – at Clarkdale
Aug. 23 – Meridian
Aug. 25 – Meridian Tournament
Aug. 28 – Heidelberg
Aug. 30 – Neshoba Central
Sept. 1 – Northeast Lauderdale
Sept. 4 – at Southeast Lauderdale
Sept. 6 – Choctaw Central
Sept.8 – at Northeast Lauderdale
Sept. 11 – Newton County
Sept. 13 – at Carthage
Sept. 18 – Philadelphia
Sept. 20 – at Heidelberg
Sept. 27 – Southeast Lauderdale
Sept.29 – MCC Tournament
Oct. 2 – at Choctaw Central
Oct. 4 – at Newton County
Oct. 9 – Carthage
Oct. 11 – at Philadelphia
Oct. 16 – State Playoffs start