Clarkdale tops another ranked foe

By Staff
August 13, 2004
By Marty Stamper / EMG sports assistant
DECATUR Recognized for years as a state power in slow-pitch softball, the Clarkdale Lady Bulldogs were just a tad miffed when they were nowhere to be found in the preseason statewide rankings.
It appears they have every intention of making those who are in The Clarion-Ledger's poll pay for that omission as they already have three victories over teams that are ranked in the Top 10 and the 2004 season is barely a week old.
The latest victim was sixth-ranked Newton County by a 9-6 margin Thursday night. Clarkdale had previously defeated No. 8 Neshoba Central and Newton County last Saturday.
Drachenberg improved to 3-0 with the win.
Ashley Bye had a pair of doubles in her first two at-bats and drove in three runs as Clarkdale took a 6-1 lead through three innings.
Newton County closed to within 8-5 with three runs in the bottom of the sixth. In the rally, Lorna Blackburn hit a two-run double and scored on a single by losing pitcher Chassidy Smith (1-2).
Tessa Gamble drove in an insurance run for Clarkdale (3-0) in the top of the seventh.
Seale and Satcher both had three hits for the Lady Bulldogs. Ashley Bye, Drachenberg, Woodall and Gamble each had two of Clarkdale's 17 hits.
Blackburn went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and three RBIs to lead Newton County (1-2). Bettina McDougle had a triple and a double. Smith had a single and a double. The Lady Cougars had 11 hits.
Newton County hosts Union tonight, while Clarkdale will host Wayne County and Clinton on Saturday.