By Staff
The Escambia Academy Lady Cougars started their 2002 softball campaign on the right track friday afternoon as the Greenville Academy Lady Tornadoes proved to be no match for the ladies from Canoe. E.A. posted their first win by a score of 21-0. Thirteen different Lady Cougars scored as E.A. pounded out 17 hits. The RBI derby was won by Jennifer Martin with 4, while Kristen Lyles, Mandi Norton, Stacey Gibbs, and Ellen Corman all had 2 RBI's apiece. K. Lyles led the way with 3 hits, while Lori Bonds, Lauren Lyles, and Martin all had 2 hits apiece. One of Martin's hits was a 3-run homer. Norton, Elizabeth Hendrix, Holly Harrison, Jaime Drew, Gibbs, Corman, Rachel Pipkin, and Courtney Smith recorded 1 hit each. Scoring for E.A. was Meagan Jackson, Norton, Bonds, L. Lyles, Hendrix, Harrison, Amanda Hetzel, Kristen Larrimore, and Shelby Moore with 1 run each. Gibbs, Drew, and K. Lyles scored twice. L. Lyles added 3 runs while J-Mar led the way scoring 4 times. Rachel Pipkin picked up the win with Lauren Lyles getting the save.
Coach Larry Lassiter said that while he was pleased with their overall performance, their real test would come Tuesday as they face Monroe Academy. Coach Lassiter has seven starters returning from last year's team. With seniors Jennifer Martin, Kristen Lyles, and Lauren Lyles providing the leadership, this Lady Cougar team is expected to challenge for the state championship again. Other members of the team include: Junior-Rachel Pipkin; Sophomores-Brooke Young, Shelby Moore, and Mandi Norton; Freshmen-Meagan Jackson and Mallory Martin; Eighth Graders-Lori Bonds, Jaime Drew, Ellen Corman, Stacey Gibbs, Elizabeth Hendrix, Holly Harrison, Amanda Hetzel, Kristen Larrimore, Kayla Morgan, and Courtney Smith. Helen Lassiter is the assistant coach. On Deck: The Lady Cougars face off with Warrior Academy for a doubleheader at home Saturday, March 9, at 11 a.m.