January 25, 2012
WESSON - The Copiah-Lincoln Community College Lady Wolves open the 2012 campaign on Monday, Jan. 30, against Heartland (IL) Community College at 12 p.m. at Lady Wolves Field.
The Lady Wolves return 10 sophomores who have their sights set on the playoffs in 2012. Leading the Lady Wolves this season will be sophomore pitchers Brooke Delaughter of Brookhaven and Sarah Anthony of Live Oak, La. They will provide leadership and experience in the circle. The Lady Wolves return the entire outfield, Ashley McCaffery of Bogue Chitto, Emily Smith and Stevie Ann Wright, both of Brookhaven, and Bobbie Cochran of Seminary. Also returning are infielders Carrie Moak of Brookhaven, Tammy Alford of Lafitte, La., and shortstop Kacey Smith of Franklin County.
Incoming freshmen competing for playing time are a trio from Enterprise High School, pitcher Chynna Coghlan, utility player Karla Beth Hux (Daily Leader Defensive Most Valuable Player), and outfielder Kaitlin Moak; infielder/outfielder Bradi Davis and outfielder Josie Porter (Daily Leader Most Valuable Player), both of Bogue Chitto High School; infielder Kaitlan Melton of Adams County Christian School, and catchers Shelby Mitchell of Lawrence County High School and Hannah Roberts of Amite School Center.
Lost to graduation are NJCAA All-Region 23 and MACJC All-State pitcher Bethany Pinkston (McNeese State University), infielder Haley Sones (BYU Hawaii), catcher Lakin Lockhart, and outfielder Erika Rutland.
“Pitching was a key for us last season, it kept us in most games,” said Head Coach Allen Kent. “Defense and hitting in key situations cost us last year as we lost seven division games by one or two runs. Hopefully this year, we will have a few more offensive weapons.”
The South Division is always strong. Jones has a lot of players back, plus they have a great recruiting district. Gulf Coast is always in strong as well as two-time defending Region 23 Champion East Central. Pearl River, Southwest and Hinds should also be stronger this year.
Kent begins his 10th year as head coach of the Lady Wolves compiling a record of 264-104. His Lady Wolves have won three MACJC State Championships. The 2008 Lady Wolves were NJCAA National Runners-Up, while the 2006 squad earned their way to a third place finish in the NJCAA National Tournament in Normal, Ill. The Lady Wolves won the NJCAA Region 23 and the MACJC State Tournament in 2006 and 2008.
Kent has been voted MACJC and MAC Coach of the Year three times and the NJCAA Region 23 Coach of the Year twice. He has also received two Mississippi Association of Coaches Community College Coach of the Year Awards.
His Lady Wolves have been MACJC South Division Champions in 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2009, while finishing runners-up in 2003 and 2005.
Under Kent’s direction, Co-Lin has produced two NJCAA First Team All-Americans, three NJCAA Second Team All-Americans, and nine NJCAA Academic All-Americans.
Kent is assisted by first year coach Rob Channell. He has been a science instructor at Co-Lin for six years. Channell served as an assistant football coach for the Wolfpack football team in 2005.
Prior to coming to Co-Lin, he coached football, track, and golf for five years at Wesson High School.
