[4/13/03]Warren Central was eliminated from the Class 5A state playoffs Saturday afternoon in two straight games at Starkville.

WC (17-8) were also eliminated by the Lady Jackets last season.

“This was a great group of seniors,” WC coach Lucy Young said. “They came in as freshmen and were one of the best freshmen classes we’ve ever had. They played four years together and won a lot of ballgames.”

Kayla Watkins, who Young said had a nasty drop curve ball and beat the Lady Vikes last season, earned both wins.

In the opener, Katie Barnett went 2-for-4 and Ashley Chaney had a hit.

In the second game, Watkins held WC to only three hits and had a 2-0 lead to work with after the third inning.

Chaney led WC with two hits, while Keisha Blue and Brittany Fuller each had a single. The Lady Vikes, though, left runners on second and third in the seventh inning.

Lady Vikes’ seniors Lyn Strawn and Hayley Martin are planning on signing with Hinds, while Barnett is planning on playing at Meridian Community College. Anna Mitchell is getting attention from Mississippi Delta C.C. Claudette Gilman, Chaney and Nikki Stamps round out the senior class.

Sumrall 8, St. Aloysius 2

Playing shorthanded because of a retreat, the St. Aloysius Lady Flashes have their backs against the wall.

Laura Beth Lyons and Candice Park each had two singles, but St. Al committed seven errors in the Class 1A state playoff loss on Saturday.

The Lady Flashes (13-3) must now beat Sumrall twice on Monday at Bazinsky Park to advance in the playoffs.

Sarah Kerut and Mary Myers Franco each had a sacrifice and an RBI and Lyons scored both St. Al runs. She also had four stolen bases.