BROOKHAVEN — Maggie Rushing tossed a five hit shutout in a 2-0 win for Brookhaven Academy (14-4-1) over Amite School Center Thursday evening. It took a defensive effort for the Cougars to scratch out the win. 

“I’m extremely proud of this team. It is a great win on senior night,” Head Coach Lisa Covington said. 

Amite School Center applied offensive pressure by out hitting the Cougars five to four. However, they were unable to get runners across home plate while BA took advantage of some hits in the fifth inning. BA’s Bailey Parks made two great jumping catches to keep line drives from reaching the outfield. 

Seniors Sasha King and Reagan Newman celebrated their senior night with a hard fought victory. King said it took a team effort from Rushing pitching to defensive play and timely hitting to get the job done. She was proud and added Parks showed a lot of athleticism on the field. 

“We did great. We had a good time offensively and defensively tonight. It was great to beat them after losing to them earlier this year,” King said. “I think we are in a good place heading into the tournament. I think we will do well and win it. I remember when we were just getting the schedule back in February and now it is almost over.”

She missed last season with a back injury, and after making a full recovery, has not had any hiccups this season. The catcher remained calm throughout the night. Her counterpart Newman caught a couple of fly balls to left field. 

Brookhaven Academy went to work the two weeks they missed games due to incessant rain. About 12 inches of rain fell in Southwest Mississippi in the month of August. King said they never had a day off during that time.

South State is a week away and the Cougars have a packed schedule ahead. They have a weekend tournament in Jackson followed by three district games against Bowling Green, Oak Forest and Silliman Institute. There isn’t much rest. 

Covington said they need to win all the games next week for their district’s final standing. Newman said the season is starting to become more sentimental. 

“It is sad to know it is coming to an end,” Newman said. “We pulled together tonight though and got the win. I’m so proud of our team.”