DAILY LEADER / MARTY ALBRIGHT / Brookhaven slowpitch softball awards went to (seated, from left) Danielle Batteast, Most Valuable Defensive Player Award, All-District; Julianna Porter, All-District; Chantel Quarles, Team Captain; Katherine Shell, Most Valuable Player, Scholar Award, All-District, Team Captain; (standing) Katherine Wallace, Panther Award; Fallon Brooks, Most Improved Award; Jada Henderson, Most Valuable Offensive Player Award, All-District; Shaniya Jackson, Hustle Award.

The Brookhaven faculty, family and softball booster club honored their Lady Panther athletes with a fall banquet Wednesday night to recognize the girls for their hard work.

Brookhaven head softball coach Mandy Vinson welcomed the large crowd to the banquet that was held at the Brookhaven Parks & Recreation Department headquarters located on Highway 51 North.

Vinson, in her first year at the helm, said she was very proud of the year they had. She thanked the Panther booster clubs and all of the officers for their hard work during the season and making this banquet possible. She also gave thanks to her Lady Panthers for all of their hard work and efforts during the season.

Vinson commented on the team’s season. “We had a lot of fun this season and the future looks bright for the Lady Panthers. The girls did a great job participating this season especially during the summer workouts to get ready for the slowpitch season and I was really pleased with their efforts and improvements.”

Vinson’s team posted a 16-14 record in her first year as head coach and won the Region 5-5A/6A crown for the second year in a row with a perfect 10-0 record.

The Lady Panthers will lose three seniors to graduation: Chantel Quarles, Danielle Batteast and Julianna Porter. These seniors received a special gift from the coaches.

After enjoying a good meal, which was from Pasta Junction, the awards were presented to honor to the players for their hard work and a job well done.

Vinson recognized all of her softball players for their participation and she also recognized the All-District winners, which were Danielle Batteast, Jada Henderson, Julianna Porter and Katherine Shell.

Shortstop Katherine Shell was recognized as the Most Valuable Player and Scholar Athlete in slowpitch softball. Danielle Batteast received the Most Valuable Defensive Player award and Jada Henderson was selected as the Most Valuable Offensive Player.

Other awards went to: Most Improved: Fallon Brooks. Panther Award: Kat Wallace. Hustle Award: Shaniya Jackson. Team Captains: Katherine Shell, Chantel Quarles.

At the end of the ceremony, Booster Club vice president Matt Shell recognized all the softball coaches and gave a them a token of appreciation for all of their hard work and dedication.