Natchez High School’s doubleheader against Stone County Thursday night marked the end of the Lady Bulldog’s 2017 season, but it wasn’t the end of coach Bonita Hamilton’s hope for the future.

The Lady Cats (9-13) will advance to the second round of MHSAA Class 5A playoffs after shutting out Natchez (4-11) in the first game, 15-0 and securing the series with a 22-1 victory in the second game in four innings.

Although Hamilton will say goodbye to four senior starters, she said she is eager to see how next year’s team falls into place.

“I’m excited about the young girls coming up,” she said. “It’s OK to have what you have when you have a young team.”

One player Hamilton said she is glad to see coming back is freshman pitcher Carleigh Sproulls. She also said eighth-grader Jaylin Flowers, who pitched the second game, has shown a great deal of improvement.

Sproulls took the loss for Natchez in the first game, but was able to hold the contest for all seven innings. She also recorded a single in the loss.

“You have to have the pitchers,” Hamilton said. “The pitchers set the tone for the game. I was pleased with the defense, and we have that down now.”

The Lady Bulldogs struggled finding and offensive rhythm in both games, however.

Also ending with a hit for NHS was Asya Pollard and Destiny Green. Deja Hudson scored the only run for Natchez on a Stone County error in the second game’s second inning.

Lacey Quevás led Stone County in the first game with two in-park home runs and six RBIs.

“We have to work on offense,” Hamilton said. “When it came into crunch time we have got to hit the ball.”

Hamilton said the key to starting next season on the right foot is for the players to keep a positive mindset.

“You can’t let teams intimidate you when you know you have girls that can play the game,” she said. “When they are motivated they play well. Each one of these girls will be improving their game during summer leagues. I won’t give up on them.”

 

MHSAA Class 5A Playoffs

Opening Round

Game 1

STONE COUNTY 15, NATCHEZ 0

SC 032 204 6 — 15 13

NHS 000 000 0 — 0 3

WP — Macy Spiers

LP — Carleigh Sproulls

HITTERS — NHS: Asya Pollard (single), Destiny Green (single), Carleigh Sproulls (single).

Game 2

STONE COUNTY 22, NATCHEZ 1

4 innings

SC 621 (13) — 22 10

NHS 010 0 — 1 0

WP — K. Barnes

LP — Jaylin Flowers

RECORD — SC: 9-13. NHS: 4-11