With an experienced group of returning veterans, the EnterpriseLady Jackets are looking to return to the 2A state playoffs duringthe 2008 slowpitch softball campaign. Long-time head coach SteveSasser (10th year) is looking forward to the season; thus improvingon last season’s 13-12 record.

“We are not young anymore,” Coach Sasser said. “Each of ourplayers is experienced. We must work hard to get better.”

The Lady Jackets compete in Division 6-2A with the likes ofWesson, St. Andrews, McLaurin and Madison St. Joe. Wesson and St.Andrews were the division’s representatives in the 2A playoffs. Aloaded, early pre-district schedule should help Enterprise in theirquest for a playoff berth.

“We loaded our pre-district schedule with Bogue Chitto, WestLincoln, Brookhaven and Lawrence County to get us ready for thedistrict race,” said Coach Sasser. “Us (Enterprise), Wesson and St.Andrews will be the teams to battle for the 2 playoff spots.”

Sasser’s crew lost 4 starters to graduation. The battery ofsenior pitcher Nicole Sandifer and catcher Ashley Beard, along withthird baseman Melanie Rutland and outfielder Amanda Burke will bereplaced. Veteran Lady Jackets that will be looked upon forleadership experience include senior outfielders Ann Marie Cole andKasey Mathas, first baseman Samantha Richardson and utility playerErika Rutland.

The Lady Jackets attended a fastpitch softball at William CareyUniversity last week in Hattiesburg. Despite pushing back theirslowpitch practice plans, Sasser explained that the camp garneredexperience for his ballclub.

“We got some valuable experience in the camp working onfundamentals,” commented Sasser. “It will help us during the slowpitch season. We will have to go out and get the job done eachnight we play.”

Enterprise opens the season in the West Lincoln Classic. TheLady Jackets take on Bogue Chitto at 1 p.m., and West Lincoln at 4.Their home opener is Tuesday against the Brookhaven LadyPanthers.

Other Division 6-2A member are Prentiss and McLaurin.

2008 Enterprise Schedule

AUG: 2-at West Lincoln Classic, 5-Brookhaven, 7-at McComb, 11-atBogue Chitto, 14-McComb, 19-at West Lincoln, 21-Bogue Chitto,23-Enterprise Tourney, 25-West Lincoln.

SEPT: 2-at Wesson, 4-Prentiss, 6-at Lawrence Co., 8-St. Andrews,11-at McLaurin, 15-at Bassfield, 18-Wesson, 22-at Prentiss, 25-atSt. Andrews, 27-at Brookhaven Tourney, 29-McLaurin.

OCT: 7-First Round 1A State Playoffs, 11-Second Round 1A StatePlayoffs, 14-South State 1A Finals, 18-State Finals.