By By Jeff Byrd/staff writer
Feb. 21, 2002
The new adventure of girls fast-pitch softball has begun for the Meridian High School Lady Wildcats.
The new program got off to a tough start with a 17-6 loss to West Jones on Tuesday in Soso.
Still, former North Pontotoc coach Susan Frazier says Meridian will improve as the season unfolds.
Pitching appears to be Frazier's biggest challenge. In its opener against West Jones, Meridian issued 26 walks.
Northwest Junior High eighth grader Artesian Boyd pitched in relief on Tuesday and pitched two-plus innings allowing only two runs. Megan Wolters and Ebonee Ball will also pitch.
Anchoring the defense will be catcher Laura Bowles.
The middle of the defense will have Boyd at shortstop and Ball at second base. Like Boyd, Ball is also just an eighth grader.
Stephanie Nelson will be at third base while Andrea Daniels is at first. Daniels says fast-pitch will take some getting used to.
The outfield will have Kim Clayton in center, Ashley Brown in left and Jessica Linton in right field. When Boyd is pitching, Clayton moves to shortstop.
The club will play its first home game today against Newton County. All of Meridian's home games will be played at Northeast Park.