Fastpitch softball intensity heats up Saturday with theopening-round of the state playoffs. In this area, Bogue Chitto,Lawrence County and North Pike are chasing championships. All threegirls teams won their respective divisions, Bogue Chitto in 1A-2A,North Pike in 3A and Lawrence County 4A.

Under the playoff format, a best-of-three series, divisionchampions host the first two games. If a third game is necessary,it will be played Tuesday.

Lawrence County’s Lady Cougars (24-5), coached by BeronicaStringfellow, host Petal for a twinbill Saturday, starting at 1p.m. The second game is at 3 p.m. If a third game is necessary, itwill be played Tuesday at Petal.

Starting for the Lady Cougars are Ashley Autman in center field,Avery Barham in right field, Gina McCloud at catcher, Kelly Stokesat pitcher, Stacy Smith at first base, Kaila Givens at second base,Emily Smith at shortstop, Cori Walker in left field, and HeatherSanders at third base.

McCloud, a senior signee with Mississippi State, leads the teamin batting average. She bats over .400.

Autman, Stokes and Stacy Smith are batting near .400.

“We are doing pretty well at the plate,” said Stringfellow. “Ourteam batting average is over .300.”

Stringfellow said Stokes has improved her pitching skills.”She’s throwing the ball well and has a lot of movement on theball.”

Stokes, a Delta State signee, has thrown six no-hitters andthree perfect games this season.

“We haven’t played Petal this year,” said Stringfellow. “Theyare supposed to be pretty tough. We must play well to beatthem.”

Stringfellow said she expects a big turnout for theplayoffs.

“We feel pretty confident going into the playoffs,” saidStringfellow.”We must take it one game at a time.”

At Bogue Chitto, the Lady Bobcats (12-3, 12-2)are anticipating a strong challenge from the Clarkdale Bulldogs.Coach Duane Burt is in his first year at the BC helm.

“I know Clarkdale is pretty strong,” said Burt. “They were tiedfor first (Division 6) with Mize but it came down to atie-breaker.”

Burt said Clarkdale’s pitcher was exceptional. “Their defense isextremely solid.”

Bogue Chitto’s starting lineup includes Marley Porter atshortstop, Brynna Wallace at third base, Kayla Smith at first base,Meleah Brown at pitcher, Candace Braxton in center field, DevonWelch at second base, Candace Avants at catcher, Chelsey Miller inright field, and either LaToya Braxton or LaSandra Smith in leftfield.

Brown, a sophomore, has fashioned a 12-3 record this season.”Meleah has had to step up and pitch all of our games,” said Burt.”She’s gotten stronger since last season and learned some newpitches.”

Bogue Chitto lost five seniors from last season’s standout team.Among them were shortstop Jessica Melton and catcher Randi Moak whoare playing college softball this year at Co-Lin and MississippiCollege respectively.

“I’ve had some ninth graders come in and play outstanding thisyear,” said Burt. “They practice hard.”

Miller, Welch, Braxton and Avants are promising freshmen in thelineup.

Batting over .400 for the Lady Bobcats are Brown and KaylaSmith.

North Pike, coached by Sonya Wallace, is homeSaturday. The Lady Jaguars won the Division 7-3A title. They hostthe Collins Lady Tigers at noon and 2 p.m. tomorrow.

The second round of the state playoffs is next Thursday.