As the 2008 slowpitch softball season rapidly approaches, theBrookhaven Lady Panthers anticipate another banner season. Freshoff a 2007 Division 6-4A runner-up finish, Ole Brook is lookingforward to cashing in on the elusive division crown. Head CoachLisa Covington has a bright outlook for her ballclub.

“We have pretty good teams on our schedule this year,” saidCoach Covington, who is entering her 17th year at Brookhaven, withthe last 15 as head coach. “The division race will probably comedown to us, Lawrence County and Florence. McComb has improved.”

The Lady Panthers entertain perennial 1A powers West Lincoln andBogue Chitto; along with Enterprise and 4A workhouse Pearl.Brookhaven will also participate in the Clinton and North PikeTournaments, along with hosting the Brookhaven Tournament inOctober.

Ole Brook plays tonight in the North Pike Tournament, beginniningat 6.

Covington has an experienced group of Lady Panthers returning. Theywill led by senior pitcher Brianna Ashmore, second baseman KarleeMartin, outfielder Sabrina Delaughter, shortstop Hannah Lowman andthird baseman Brittany Bateman. Also expecting to see playing timewill be sophomore outfielders Sarah Ayers and Madeline Delaughter,and 3 freshmen; outfielder Erica Bridwell, catcher Brooke Hosickand first baseman Carey Crozier.

Ole Brook lost 3 starters to graduation in Georgia Rae Rainer,Katie Stewart and Terri Hodges. Stewart and Hodges signed fastpitchsoftball scholarships with Co-Lin. The Lady Panthers will bewithout the services of pitcher Casey Risher and outfielder StevieAnn Wright, who are lost for the season due to injuries.

Along with Brookhaven, Lawrence County, Florence, Mendenhall,McComb and Port Gibson will battle for the division crown.

2008 Brookhaven Schedule

AUG: 2-at TBA, 5-at Enterprise, 12-Franklin Co., 14-at Mendenhall,18-at Bogue Chitto, 21-at Port Gibson, 22-at West Lincoln,26-Mendenhall, 28-at Florence.

SEPT: 2-West Lincoln, 4-Lawrence Co., 6-at Clinton Tourney, 9-atMcComb, 11-Port Gibson, 13-at North Pike Tourney, 15-at FranklinCo. 18-Florence, 23-at Lawrence Co., 25-McComb, 27-BrookhavenTourney, 30-Bogue Chitto.

OCT: 2-at Warren Central, 7-First Round 4A State Playoffs,11-Second Round 4A State Playoffs, 14-South State 4A Finals,18-State 4A Finals at Jackson