Lady Vikings fall in playoffs

Published 12:00 am Saturday, April 22, 2000

VIDALIA, La. — The Vidalia High School Lady Vikings fast-pitch softball team fell Friday to North DeSoto High School by the score of 5-1. The loss keeps Vidalia from advancing to the State Tournament in Alexandria, La.

&uot;I&160;just really feel bad for the seniors right now,&uot;&160;Vidalia coach Gary Parnham said.

&uot;They played their hearts out today, and it’s just sad to see it all over for them.&uot;

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North DeSoto jumped in front early, when in the top of the third inning, Randi Baker walked, and was followed by consecutive singles, which loaded the bases.

Two fielder’s choices allowed two North DeSoto runs to score, however, Vidalia escaped more trouble, as DeSoto left the bases loaded at the end of the inning.

The Lady Vikings answered with their lone run of the game, when Jessica Marling singled, stole second and took third base on the throwing error, and was able to score on an RBI-groundout by Jenny Watson.

DeSoto threatened again in the top of the fourth, but stranded three more runners.

Vidalia was unable to capitalize.

&uot;We just didn’t hit the ball real well today, and that’s just a testament to their pitcher (Jordan Lansdale),&uot;&160;Parnham said.

DeSoto put the game away in the top of the fifth, when Randi Baker and Victoria Gaskin had RBI-singles and a bases loaded walk allowed the third run of the inning to score.

The score at that point was 5-1 in North DeSoto’s favor.

Vidalia loaded the bases in the bottom of the fifth, but could not get any runs across.

&uot;We had opportunities, we just didn’t make anything happen. I’m not going to offer excuses, I’m not going to take anything away from them,&uot;&160;Parnham said. &uot;They’re going to do well in Alexandria.&uot;

Vidalia’s season ends with a 22-3 record.