MGCCC softball preps for Region 23 Tourney

First baseman Lindsey Keyes scoops a ball out of the dirt at the MACJC State Tournament.

Julie Mercer throws out a runner during the MACJC State Tournament.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Lady Bulldogs have some unfinished business to take care of at this week’s Region 23 fast pitch softball tournament at Traceway Park in Clinton.

Last Saturday Gulf Coast (23-10) was five outs away from clinching its second MACJC state title in three years but instead saw Co-Lin storm back to win 8-5 and claim the crown. The Lady Bulldogs enter the Region 23 Tournament as the No. 2 seed while Co-Lin earns the top spot in the three-day, six team double elimination event. Gulf Coast will take on the LSU-Eunice/Itawamba winner Thursday at 5 p.m. The Region 23 champion and runner-up will head to the NJCAA National Tournament May 14-16 in Normal, Ill.

Sophomore Holly Lawrence leads the team with a .432 batting average while catcher Sarah Smaltz is 20th in the NJCAA with 12 homeruns. Pitchers Brandi Westerfield (10-5, 2.28 ERA) and Brittany Fields (12-3, 2.96 ERA) provide Gulf Coast with a one-two punch in the circle.