By Ashley Crutcher
The No. 4 state ranked South Panola fastpitch varsity team has done it again, won the 2-6A district championship by going undefeated in district (6-0) for the second year in a row.
The Lady Tigers will travel to Desoto Central tonight for the first playoff game at 5:30 p.m. and will host Desoto Central at home Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in games two and three, if necessary.
The line-up for the Lady Tigers was loaded this season with strong players on offense, as well as defense. The Lady Tigers only allowed 29 runs all season.
One of the highlights was defeating No. 1 state ranked and No. 52 nationally rank Neshoba Central. 
Players this season have shown their passions and skills making it nearly impossible for any opponent to pick out a weak spot at the plate or on the field. The Lady Tigers have been seasoned well under the direction of head coach Ashleigh Hicks.
“We have goals every year and our first goal was to win district and this team reacted to that goal very well. We’re headed in the right direction,” said Hicks. 
The Lady Tigers are not finished yet as Hicks has a few more ingredients to throw into the mix to whip this team together in preparation for the playoffs.
“People haven’t hit off of us. They’ve mostly bunted and  we’ve worked really hard on improving that in the past couple of weeks,” said Hicks. 
The Lady Tigers have progressed quite well through the season, which coach Hicks attributes to mental strength. Anyone watching Hicks coach the Lady Tigers knows that she brings the heat, and it is that fire that strengthens this team. 
To stay alive in the first round of playoffs Hicks will require a lot from senior pitcher Caroline Dickins and senior catcher Rebekah Garner as well as Sydney Morgan who also catches for the Lady Tigers.
“We can’t have any missed pitches and we’re going to have to spin the ball very well. Our catchers are going to have to stop the steal, because if people get on we need to hold them at first,” Hicks said. 
According to the 10-year Lady Tiger coach, the strength of this team comes from their ability to score runs. The Lady Tigers have scored 146 runs so far this season. Hicks stated that pitching is another strength of this team. Dickins has helped the Lady Tigers reach their goal for the District Championship.
“I’m pretty pumped about it. We have a great chance and I want a ring,” Dickins said. 
Dickins spoke about the pressure of being a leader and pitcher for the Lady Tigers.
“Sometimes it’s a lot of pressure, because everyone is looking up to you, but that is what keeps me going,” she said. 
The Lady Tigers have some big games to prepare for and Desoto Central is one of them.
“Everyone has to do their part and everyone has to do their best to get it done,” said Dickins.
Desoto Central is one of the biggest challenges the Lady Tigers as they will face each other in the first round of playoffs.
“Those girls are our friends, but they can’t be our friends right now. Athletes are good about separating the game from friendship because you have to do what it takes to win,” said Dickins.
Desoto Central defeated South Panola earlier in the season, March 24, 3-2 on a walk-off run.
As the Lady Tigers progress further into the playoffs, they can expect to see better hitting and pitching.
“You have to beat the best to be the best,” said Hicks.
The Lady Tigers have some heavy hitters, but they will have to bring it on defense as they will face teams who have power hitters of their own. Offensively, the Lady Tigers will work on hitting as Hicks prepares them to face better pitching.
Thursday, the Lady Tigers will recognize Lady Tiger alumni on the field at 5:15 p.m.