By By Josh Taylor/The Meridian Star
Aug. 24, 2001
An old area rivalry heated up Thursday night as the West Lauderdale Lady Knights came from behind to defeat the Meridian High Lady Cats 14-8 in prep slow-pitch softball action.
The defending state champion Lady Knights, led by coach Jerry Boatner, came back from a two-run deficit in the sixth to finish the game.
The first half of the game was a defensive struggle as West Lauderdale's Jessica Ethridge (2-4) pushed in one RBI in the first followed by Meridian's Valerie Shermon (3-3, one double) sending one home in the second.
The third inning was all Knights. First, West Lauderdale's Ethridge sent three up and three down on the mound. Then the Knights' bats followed with five RBI from Amy Frazier (3-4, triple), Brittany Mosely (3-4), Kristina Gardner (2-4, double), and Courtney Godwin (2-4, double).
Meridian got two RBI's in the fourth from Andra Daniels (2-4) and Carshema Blanks (2-4, double).
The fifth was scoreless on both sides with West Lauderdale pitcher Ethridge and Meridian's Catie Compton mowing them down.
The Lady Cats picked up the lead in the top of the sixth with five runs being knocked in by Eron Hodgins (2-4, double, triple), Daniels, Shermon, Erin Murphy, and Stephanie Mosley (2-4, double).
The Knights wouldn't be out done as they laid down the law in the bottom of the sixth.
It all started with bases loaded. West Lauderdale's J.J. Huggins (2-4, grand slam) set the first pitch over the leftfield wall for a grand slam.
The Knights followed with four more runs, led by Mosely, Godwin, and Jo Havard (2-4).
The seventh was scoreless, bringing home a 14-8 win for the Lady Knights, who now stand at 6-0 for the season.
Other multiple hitters for the Knights included Amber Joyner (2-4). For Meridian, it was Ashley Brown (3-4). The Cats stand at 3-1 on the young season.
Both teams will be involved in the Meridian Invitational Tournament Saturday at the Sammie Davison Complex.
Josh Taylor is a sports writer for The Meridian Star. You can call him at 693-1551, ext. 3234 or e-mail him at jtaylor@themeridianstar.com.