Team experience and team unity will be themain purpose as the Brookhaven Lady Panthers kick off their seasonAug. 13 against Lawrence County in slowpitch softball. The LadyPanthers will have three seniors providing leadership with EricaBridwell, Brooke Hosick and Dane Herring.

    “We have an experienced team returning,” said Brookhaven head coachChad Walker. “We hope to build on our team unity and besuccessful.”

    Walker, 40, will be starting his first season at the helm, afterserving as the assistant coach for seven seasons. Walker took overthe head coach job position after Lisa Covington stepped down lastseason. Covington served 19 seasons as the head coach of the LadyPanthers’ slowpitch softball team.

    The Lady Panthers looks to improve on a 21-10 season record lastyear and a 3-0 record in district play. Brookhaven looks to returnto the promise land in Jackson since winning the South StateChampionship and finishing as runners-up in the State 5A Finals twoyears ago.

    The Lady Panthers have nine returning starters to help in thefield: Brooke Hosick at pitcher, Erica Bridwell at shortstop, EmilyFreeman at first base, Christen Benson at left-center field,Rashana Stewart at right field, Shelby Peavey at second base, DanaHerring at right-center field, Shelby Case at left field and TaylorMurray at third base.

    Brookhaven lost three starters to graduation last year: leftfielder Sarah Ayers, right-center fielder Erica Lenior and firstbaseman Madeline DeLaughter.

    “We have the pieces to have a very successful season,” continuedWalker.

    Christen Benson is among the leaders returning that help the teamwith a .494 batting average in 2010. Erica Bridwell batted .430,Emily Freeman .410, Brooke Hosick .385, Taylor Murray .350, DanaHerring .323, Rashana Stewart .233, Shelby Peavey .228, and ShelbyCase .225.

    Brookhaven assistant coaches are Mandy Vinson and Megan Case.Walker has 24 players on his squad.

    The Lady Panthers first home game will be against the North PikeLady Jaguars on Aug. 23. The junior varsity game will precede thevarsity game.