Lady Tigers ranked No. 1

By Myra Bean

Accolades keep pouring in for the newly crowned state champion South Panola Lady Tiger fastpitch softball team.

The Clarion-Ledger named the Lady Tigers the No. 1 team in the state in its Saturday edition.

The Lady Tigers jumped from the No. 5 position to the No. 1 position over Oak Grove, No. 2.

Oak Grove held the No. 1 position every week last year and every week of the regular season this year, according to The Clarion-Ledger.

A reception was held for the team and their parents Friday in the school’s media center, coordinated by assistant principal Ruth Ball. Different staff members contributed food for the reception.

Then, the team was hailed by their classmates in a pep rally where pitcher Whitney Kiihnl showed off her technique and speed.

The crowning glory of this championship season is the ring each player will receive.

“Coaches (Ashleigh) Hicks and (John) Davis were picking out rings earlier,” principal Dr. Gearl Loden said Friday. “They were like kids at Christmas.”

The rings will cost approximately $6,000. Donations from the public will be needed and appreciated, according to Hicks.

Hicks moved to Batesville last summer, after leading Madison Central to the North Half championship. Madison Central lost to Oak Grove in the state championship tournament.

The Lady Tigers finished the season 33-4.

For more information on donating for the rings, call Loden or Hicks at (662) 563-4756.