George County faces tough obstacle to win slow pitch softball championship

George County hasn’t won a state championship in slow pitch softball since 1995.

The Lady Rebels (25-8) face Neshoba Central in the 5A-6A state championship series at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Ridgeland’s Freedom Park.

The Lady Rockets (26-7) have won the last four slow-pitch championships in addition to four consecutive fast-pitch crowns. Neshoba Central swept New Hope 18-8 and 20-1 to win the North State title series on Tuesday, getting 34 hits and eight homers in two games.

George County, state runner-ups in 1994, 1999, 2009-2011, isn’t intimidated by Neshoba Central’s state championship tradition. The Lady Rebels needed three games against Northwest Rankin to win the South State title.

“I think we’ve got a great chance of winning it all,” Lady Rebels coach Keith Essary said. “We know Neshoba has a great team. I feel we’re the team to beat. We’ll go up there focused and play one game at a time. I told the girls that anybody can be beat on any given day. I look forward to playing two great games.”

George County is led by four seniors: pitcher Anna Adams, second baseman Neely McLeod, shortstop Megan Morse and outfielder Ramey Cochran. Junior Kaitlyn Passeau is considered the Lady Rebels’ big-play threat.

“We have an experienced team,” Essary said.

This story was originally published October 21, 2016 at 4:23 PM with the headline "George County faces tough obstacle to win slow pitch softball championship."