No. 1 Lady Rockets enter week with 22-0 record
The Neshoba Central Lady Rockets, ranked No. 1 in the nation, picked up four wins last week and improved to 22-0 on the season.
The Lady Rockets opened the week with a 15-1 win over Cleveland Central. They picked up two forfeit wins over Holmes Central. Neshoba Central then closed out the week with a 9-2 win over Choctaw Central.
The Lady Rockets close out their regular season this week with two games against West Lauderdale. The Lady Rockets will visit West Lauderdale on Tuesday and host the Lady Knights Thursday.
The state playoffs start Friday with a play-in series between the second and third place teams. Neshoba Central won its region and will draw a first round bye. Their first playoff game will be Monday against the winner between Center Hill and Canton.
“We have a special group of young ladies who love the game,” Coach Zach Sanders said. “We have played some close games and were able to come out with the win and were able to be 22-0.
“We were fortunate enough three years ago to be No. 1 in the nation. Two years ago, we were No. 3 in the nation, and last year, the COVID-19 stopped the season. We have been able to continue on with our success. It is something great for the young ladies who are playing.”
Against Cleveland Central, Elleigh Willis allowed one hit and struck out six batters to pick up the victory.
The Lady Rockets scored nine in the first, five in the third and one in the fourth. Cleveland scored its run in the first inning.
Willis had one hit and knocked in three runs. AnnaLeigh Jones hit a triple and a single. She knocked in three runs. Tenly Grisham had two hits, scored three runs and knocked in two more. Charmanye Morris had three hits, scored two runs and knocked in two more.
Neshoba Central came on strong in the late innings to take the win over Choctaw Central.
The Lady Rockets scored two in the first, four in the fifth and three in the sixth. Choctaw Central scored one in the second and one in the sixth,
Willis was the winning pitcher, She struck out four batters. Neera Bell was the losing pitcher.
Willis hit a home run and AnnaLeigh Jones hit a double. Morris had two and had two hits. Mauhree Jones had one hit, scored two runs and knocked in another.