Local softball fans from Lincoln, Copiah and Pike County have a chance to witness three local seniors, Mattie Avants of Bogue Chitto, Sarah Robison of Wesson and Lauren Wells of North Pike, when they suit up in their school colors once again.

This time, it’s for the 28th Annual MAC All-Star girls’ slowpitch softball games. The games will be played Saturday on Mack Fanning Field at Newton County High School in Decatur.

Class 1A/2A/3A and Class 4A/5A/6A will play two games on the evening. Game One for Class 1A/2A/3A will start at 1 p.m. Immediately following the first series, Class 4A/5A/6A will begin.

After the conclusion of the second Game One game, there will be a full squad introductions of all slowpitch All-Star players for all classes.

After the ceremony, Game Two will resume. Class 1A/2A/3A is set to begin, followed by Game Two of Class 4A/5A/6A.

The 1A/2A/3A North squad will be coached by DeMarcus McKinley and assistant Jasma Buchanan of Ray Brooks. The South team will be guided by Mike Robertson and assistant Joseph White of Taylorsville.

The 4A/5A/6A North coaches are Allen Lunceford and Mina Darnell, both of Clintony. The South squad is led by Brittany Rogers and assistant by Jeremy Simmons of West Harrison.

The North leads the 1A/2A/3A series 3-0-5 and 4A/5A/6A games by a 5-1-2 margin. In the 2012 contest, the two squads split the 1A/2A/3A with the South winning game one 36-6 and the North claiming the second game by a 29-15 score. In the 4A/5A/6A games, the North swept the South 10-9 and 27-7 to increase their series lead.

Mattie Avants,  Bogue Chitto, batted .373 in her senior year for the Lady Cats with 37 singles and one triple. Avants plays shortstop and left-center field.

Avants said her future plan is to attend Co-Lin Community Junior College to play softball. She stated that she likes playing sports, playing with her nephews and hanging out with her family and friends.

Avants shared her thoughts on her slowpitch softball season. “We had a losing record, but we did not let it stop us. We worked together as a team and had plenty of leadership step up. Overall, it has been the best season for me.”

BC coach Scott Leggett said that he was extremely proud of Avants for making the All-Star selection. “Mattie has been a big part of our team for six years. She is a good leader on and off the field. Mattie really pick it up in the playoffs and had a great year.”

Sarah Robinson,  Wesson, showcased her senior talents at third base. She posted a .404 batting average for the Lady Cobras with three home runs and 10 doubles.

Robinson’s future plans is to attend Co-Lin Community Junior College and later pursue a career in physical therapy. She loves to play softball, soccer and cheer. Outside of sports, she enjoys the outdoors and being around her family.

Robinson shared her thoughts on her slowpitch softball season. “We had an overall great season. All of the girls worked hard together as a team. I have enjoyed my last year with the girls and coaches.”

Wesson coach Jackie Johnson was very proud of Robinson’s achievement. “Sarah is a great athlete. We are glad to have her represent Wesson in the all-star game.

 

Lauren Wells,  North Pike, showed great leadership while playing at shortstop and second base for the Lady Jaguars. She batted .589 on the season with 16 homeruns and 50 RBIs.

Wells future plans to pursue a career in physical therapy. She has recently signed a scholarship to play softball for William Carey University.

Wells enjoys hunting, fishing and hanging out with her friends in her free time. She shared her thoughts on the slowpitch softball season at North Pike. “We play really well and had a great regular season, but playoffs was not so great.”

North Pike coach Sonya Wallace was proud of Wells’ accomplishments. “Lauren was a big part of our successful season. She hit over .600 for most of the season. She has been a great athlete for us over the past six years.”