Lady Eagle softball wins 6 on way to Hudson title

PHOTO: LYNN LITTLEJOHN The Rusk Lady Eagle softball team traveled to Hudson High School to take part in the Hudson tournament this past weekend and came home with a first place trophy. In front (l-to-r) are Tori Choate, Maranda Westbrook, Alison Bowling and Arika Minchew. In back are Maci Choate, Cami Curtis, Christa Adams, Head Coach Ashley McElroy- Christian, Mallory Westbrook, Calah Clark and Callie Collins. Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones could frequently find "no satisfaction." That mindset would work perfectly if the Stones wanted to play softball at Rusk.

The Lady Eagle softball team improved their record to 7-0 on the year with six victories at the Hudson Tournament this past weekend, including a 10-5 victory over Class 5A Lufkin in the championship game.

Even with six victories and a tournament championship, there is no satisfaction just yet among the Lady Eagles. Though there is a lot of prestige to be found at the Hudson Tournament, the Lady Eagles have a more specific, longterm goal in mind.

They state that goal at the end of every practice and huddle: "win state."

"We've still got a long way to go, but we're working hard," said Head Coach Ashley McElroy Christian. "Our team has a lot of potential."

In addition to Lufkin, the Lady Eagles defeated Alice, Corsicana, Colmesneil, Tarkington and Nacogdoches on their way to the tournament title.

They aren't afraid to put runs on the scoreboard, as evidenced by their 10 runs against Lufkin and their 16 runs against Colmesneil.

They're also not afraid to play close games, as evidenced by their season opener against Henderson. The Lady Lions and Lady Eagles pushed each other to the limit before Rusk pulled off the win in 10 innings, 3-2.

Last season, the first for Coach McElroy-Christian, was a successful one as the 27-7 Lady Eagles advanced to the area round of the state playoffs, defeating Westwood before falling to Waco Robinson.

Then again, most seasons have been successful for Rusk softball. Since 1994, when softball was first recognized as a playoff sport, Rusk has made the postseason 10 times.

This season, in order to return to the playoffs, the Lady Eagles have seemingly adopted a mentality to take on all comers.

Rusk participated in a scrimmage with 4A Livingston and has played four 4A schools (Henderson, Alice, Corsicana and Nacogdoches), taking on a fifth last night (Marshall) and has played a 5A school (Lufkin).

The Lady Eagles also have one more tournament to play, in Longview on March 5-6.

"Games like these, especially the tournaments, give us a chance to get the most playing time," Coach McElroy-Christian said. "We see all kinds of different competition before we get to district play."

Last year, the Lady Eagles finished second in district play behind Huntington, who defeated them twice on the season. Coach McElroy- Christian said that District 18-3A is more than just a two-team district.

"Huntington will still be tough and so will Carthage," she said. "No game is a laydown game. It's anyone's district. We just have to keep working hard as the season goes on."

Members of the Lady Eagles are Christa Adams, Alison Bowling, Maci Choate, Tori Choate, Calah Clark, Callie Collins, Cami Curtis, Arika Minchew, Mallory Westbrook and Maranda Westbrook.