Lady Tide rolls over Lady Hornets

By ROB SIGLER/Item Sports Editor
Wednesday, September 21, 2005 2:52 PM CDT

POPLARVILLE - It's been a while since Picayune played a softball game and the

Lady Tide came out swinging Tuesday night.

Picayune pounded out 19 hits and jumped out to a 5-0 first inning lead on the way

to a 12-3 division win over Poplarville.

The Lady Tide, ranked No. 5 in the Clarion-Ledger statewide poll, improved to 11-2

overall and 1-0 in 8-4A.

Head coach Kristi Mitchell said she wasn't concerned that the long layoff caused by

Hurricane Katrina would adversely affect her team. They had three good practices

this week and were ready to play.

"I was worried we couldn't string our hits together," said Mitchell, who watched the

first five batters of the game score. "That definitely gave us an advantage. We came

out hitting the ball."

She was also impressed with the Lady Tide defense, something she strong emphasizes.

"It's a hitter's game, but I'm a big defensive person and we played really sharp defense,"

said Mitchell.

Allison Bynum paced Picayune's assault going 4-for-4, while Sam Mitchell had three hits

and Breonne Spikes singled, doubled and tripled. Courtney Dickens, Kellye Bolar (two

doubles) and Chanel Wills each had two hits.

Picayune is scheduled to return to action Thursday, hosting Forrest Co. AHS in a varsity

doubleheader beginning at 5 p.m.