RAYMOND- The 2018 Lady Eagles softball team is off to a hot start on the season as they are at a mark of 5-2 through 7 games which is the best start for the program since 2015 when the team started 4-3. The Lady Eagles have seen this success come through a string of home games including a 2-day, 5-game endeavor.

 

The Lady Eagles' excellent start has been sparked by the efforts of Nikki Skerlong (Eros, LA) who was named MACJC Player of the Week for her efforts in the February 8^th and 9^th games. The freshman shortstop from Ouachita Parish High School went 9-14 (.643) at the plate in 5 games collecting 12 runs batted in (RBI), 3 home runs, 3 doubles, and 3 walks along the way. All of this success on offense has been complimented by her solid defensive play for the Lady Eagles at shortstop.

 

Skerlong's impressive performance at the plate has contributed to her already-impressive totals on the season including a .722 batting average which is currently good for 5^th in the NJCAA. Skerlong is also currently tied for second in the NJCAA for homeruns and holds second place in RBI.

 

The Lady Eagles will hope for similar performances by Skerlong and the rest of the softball team in upcoming games as they look to begin a road stretch against familiar conference opponents featuring Southwest Mississippi Community College (SMCC), East Central C.C., East Mississippi C.C., and Copiah-Lincoln C.C. The road schedule begins with SMCC February 14^th in Summit at 3 and 5 p.m.

 

The Hinds softball team will finally be back at home at Rene Warren Field on February 24^th to face-off against the top-ranked Louisiana State University at Eunice Lady Bengals at 1 and 3 p.m. To support the Lady Eagles on the road, follow them on Twitter for updates on scores at @LadyEaglesSFBL. To watch Lady Eagles games from home, visit the Hinds athletic website, www.hindsccsports.com, and click on the "Watch Live" icon to view home softball games all season long.