AYMOND — Playing eight games over an 8-day period finally tookits toll on the Co-Lin Wolves Friday in the finals of the NJCAARegion 23 Division ll South Baseball Tournament at Hinds CommunityCollege.

The Wolves had to beat the undefeated LSU-Eunice Tigers in thefirst game and force a second contest. The fresher Tigerseliminated the Wolves 8-3 to capture the South title. They advanceto meet the winner of the Itawamba-Northwest series.

“They (Tigers) had an advantage,” said Co-Lin head baseballcoach Keith Case. “We have played eight games, four in state(tournament) and four in regionals. It all caught up with us. Wedidn’t have the legs.”

Co-Lin finished the season 32-17. LSU-Eunice improved to 44-10with the win.

The Tigers led 2-0 after 2 innings and went up 4-0 in thefourth. The Wolves scored 1 run in the top of the fifth and sixthinnings to cut the deficit to 6-2.

“They have a real good ball club,” explained Case. “I would haveloved to have played those guys when we were both rested. It wasreally tough.”

LSU-E Blake Duhe improved to 8-2 with the win. Cass Brister(1-2) absorbed the loss. Also seeing action for Co-Lin were MatthewFox in the third, Boycee Varnes and Ryan Belanger in theseventh.

“We’re all worn out physically and mentally,” added Case. “Ourkids came back and gave us a great year. We did some real goodthings. I am really proud of the sophomores stepping up and fillingin some roles. We played baseball the way we expect them toplay.”

Powering the Wolves with 2 triples and a single was sophomorerightfielder Jeffrey Waycaster. Ripping 3 singles was CaseyGinn.

For the Tigers, Keith Delahoussaye ripped a home run and asingle. Matt Casbon tripled. Patrick Williams belted a double.Deigo Nucete and Jody Britt singled.

“Our kids showed their character coming back to beat Pearl Riverand Hinds,” added Case, referring to regional victories. “Severalpeople on our team wouldn’t let it happen. Guys on the field andguys in the dugout. When you feel that team unity, that’s somethingyou will always remember.

“The guys fed off of each other,” concluded Case. “They kept theenergy going. There was always someone stepping up to keep itgoing. It was a total effort. I am very proud of those guys.”