Softball Section 2016

May 25, 2016

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

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PHOTOS BY SWEET PEAS PHOTOGRAPHY

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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

May 25, 2016

he Mena Ladycats stormed the University of Arkansas’ Bogle Park field on Friday, May 20, in Fayetteville amid a large crowd of loyal Ladycat fans and pulled out all the stops to bring home the Class 4A Arkansas State Softball Championship trophy for the second consecutive year. In a seven-inning, 3-0 game, the Ladycats were just as great on the field as they were in the batters box.

Playing the Pocahontas Lady Redskins, both teams played tremendous defense and kept the game scoreless, many times leaving runners stranded on base. “We hit the ball pretty well. We had runners on base in every inning, we just couldn’t get that twoout hit to get someone across the plate,” said Head Coach Ray Hunter. It wasn’t until the sixth inning when Sealy Thigpen made it across home plate, thanks to a hit by Reagan Sikes to claim the first scoring run of the day.

That rallied the Ladycats to another level and when the top of the seventh inning rolled around, a renewed spirit launched the team into victory. Jordan Ward knocked the ball out of the park, bringing the score to 2-0. Kenzi Spurgin made it to first base on a hit to center field and was brought home by a sacrifice bunt from Kristen Kesterson, sealing the score at 3-0.

When the Redskins took the field in the bottom of the seventh, the Ladycats kept them at bay and ultimately shut them out to bring home the gold once again. During the game, the Ladycats had a total of twelve hits with an overall team batting average of .387.

Pitcher Jordan Ward had 10 strikeouts, walked none, had her first ever high school home run, and was named Most Valuable Player of the game. “You could see the joy on her face as she rounded the bases,” said Coach Hunter of Ward’s seventh inning homer that went sailing over the fence. “Of course, as the ultimate team player, she went and congratulated everybody else for being a part of it,” he continued.

In the last four years, the Ladycats have won 102 games and have lost an average of only 3-4 games per year. Coach Hunter said, “This is the most successful group of seniors that we’ve ever had. They’ve had help from several teammates along the way.” Five of the six seniors are committed to various colleges to continue their careers in softball.

As Coach Ray Hunter put it last week, “This team doesn’t know what it’s like to not play in a state championship game.” The senior players on the Ladycats, Jordan Ward, Kenzi Spurgin, Kristen Kesterson, Macy Brotherton, Madelyn Brotherton, and Daryan Torix, have been in the state finals all four of their high school years, placing runner-up the first two years, and claiming the ultimate title the following two years. It’s obvious to their fans that their experience and dedication made for an unbelievable high school career and many stories for the history books.

Ladycat Kenzi Spurgin #11

We are so proud of you and your team and all you have accomplished as Ladycats.

This team will forever be remembered!!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 Love you! Dad, Mom, Kaitlyn, Meme and Pops

Words cannot express how proud your dad and I are of you and your teammates. Eleven years of countless hours of practice, many thousands of miles, different hotels every weekend (and none were on the beach), too many restaurants to mention. You have made some of the best friends you will ever have and your memories will last a lifetime. The lessons you have learned are tremendous and will help you with life’s experiences.

You have learned that you get out of life exactly what you put into it. You had an awesome support system, family, church family, a community, many friends, lots of coaches and all of them never doubting you could do anything you put your mind to.

We are honored to call you our daughter and we thank you for always giving everything you had. “We will always be your biggest fans!” We can’t wait to watch you play for Crowder College!

Love, Dad & Mom

May 25, 2016

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

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Rex Dollar

1607 Hwy 71 N. • 394-1027

Congratulations, Ladycats!

Congratulations, Ladycats!

1100 College Drive, Mena 479.394.7622

RMCC.edu

#BACK2BACKSTATECHAMPS

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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

May 25, 2016

515 Janssen, Mena

394-4140

Congratulations, Ladycats!

Ladycats

2-TIME 4A STATE SOFTBALL CHAMPIONS “Talent wins games, but

teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”

May 25, 2016

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

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479.394.4248 104 Port Arthur Avenue Mena, AR 71953-3344

Congratulations, Ladycats!

Congratulations, Ladycats!

Team Teamwork makes the Dreamwork!

Dream 4A State Softball Champions...We are proud of you!

MENA, Hatfield & Wickes 479-394-2211 www.unionbankofmena.com

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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

May 25, 2016

1142 Hwy 71 S. Suite A, Mena 479-385-5058

Congratulations,

ALIGNMENT • BRAKES • TIRES • OIL CHANGE Fullice Servhanic MecShop

918 HWY 71 SOUTH • MENA, ARKANSAS

F Ser ull v Ti ice Shore p

Jordan

and to all Ladycats!

Thank you for your dedication & teamwork - the memories will last a lifetime!

Daddy, Momma, Dexter, Taylor, PaPa, MeMa, Uncle Danny & Aunt Kimmy and everyone at Hatfield Lumber Co.

May 25, 2016

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

Beasley-Wood Funeral Home Congratulations, Ladycats!

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Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Closed Sunday

Mena Tees, Trophies,

We are so proud of you 4A State Softball CHAMPIONS!

611 Janssen Avenue • Mena • beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

479-394-1310

506 Hwy. 71 S, Mena 479-234-2060

Congratulations, MENA LADYCATS 4A State Softball Champions

394-6201 MON. - 11AM-9PM • CLOSED TUES. WED. & THURS. - 11AM-9PM FRI. & SAT. - 11AM-10PM SUN. -11AM-8PM ON THE CORNER OF SHERWOOD AND SEVENTH STREET 479-437-3240

Congrats, Ladycats on your Championship Season

and Congrats, Mena Soccer Team State Champion Runner-Up!

It was a pleasure representing Mena.

Thank you to the Mena High School Family and the community for all of your support over the years.

Thanks to our family and friends!

Macy & Madelyn Brotherton

David & Tawana Gilbert

479-394-5087

4th & Gillham, Mena, AR

We are so proud of you, Kenzi and all the girls!

Ninnie & Paw Gilbert