March 7, 2008

TIGERS OFF TO 5-4 START IN 2008

BOONEVILLE, Miss.--  Northeast Mississippi Community College head fastpitch softball coach Jody Long saw his 2008 squad sprint out of the gates to start the season, going 2-1 at the Rush Invitational hosted by Meridian CC, then later going 3-1 in their own event, the annual Northeast Tigerfest.

After the 5-2 start, Long's bunch dropped a March 6 double-header at Jackson State CC (Tenn.) to fall to 5-4.

"We lost both games at Jackson State by one run, nine to eight and then seven to six," said Long. "In both games we lead in the 7th inning and gave up the winning runs, so we could easily have a better record right now. But the reality is we lost those games and now we're 5-4."

Long feels confident in his team's potential after nine games. He also feels his Tigers must improve in upcoming road games versus Calhoun CC (Ala.) and Columbia State CC (Tenn.) before MACJC North Division play begins against defending division champion Northwest CC on Tuesday, March 18.

"We've got work to do before then," Long said, "but I like our team, our leadership, and I think they understand what lies ahead."

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