Sports Editor

There’s a time in every season that teams have to stop a second and gather everything they have and take that next step.

Sometimes it comes early on, sometimes it never even happens, but for the Charles Henderson Lady Trojans’ softball team, that time is now.

Friday they will begin post season play in the Sectional Tournament in Eufaula. It may be a fore-gone conclusion that the Lady Trojans and the No. 5 Eufaula Lady Tigers will advance to Sub-State from there as the tournament’s winner and runner-up, but that shouldn’t be an excuse to get lax going in.

Right now is the time for CHHS to make a statement and prove they are ready to compete for what they have been gearing up for all season – a state championship.

The team has seen its share of success and has played almost 40 games to the tune of a 28-10 record. They have all the tools in place, all that stands in their way at this point is themselves.

The team has probably one of the most deadly weapons on the mound in the state in Betsy White. She has already reached the 200 strikeout plateau this season and while a pitcher can never win a game at the playoff level by herself, her presence and poise is a must for CHHS to advance.

The Lady Trojans’ biggest asset might be their defense. With a solid infield and a quick and accurate outfield CHHS keeps opponents honest at the plate and strives to perform errorless softball each and every time out.

Tuesday’s game against Trinity was a prime example of the toughness of this group. It took 11 innings to do in the Lady Wildcats, but the Lady Trojans’ defense was spotless when it meant the most.

Ashley Faust made a fantastic running catch in center while Jennifer Boutwell – always running to every play – backed up the only CHHS error in the late innings and turned it into an out as she gunned down a hard-charging runner to third.

The rest of the infield composed of Kelly Miller at short, Christie Bradley at third, Emily Christian at second, Amanda Pruitt at first and the strong arm of Nicki Wingard behind the plate, all know their roles and on a given day will make the plays that win championships.

At the plate all of these girls have to step up. Miller, Faust, White, Christian and designated hitter Elizabeth Roundtree lead the team in hitting, but it may be a sacrifice bunt from Emily Watkins or the a key hit from Wingard or Pruitt with a runner in scoring position that put this team over the top.

It’s time to come together ladies and use the gifts each of you have been given. You have a special chance to make your mark in 2000 and it all begins today.