May 30, 2017
Six freshmen and one sophomore who helped the East Central Community College Lady Diamond Warrior Softball team to postseason play during the 2017 season were recognized recently for their efforts.
Freshman pitcher Kaitlyn Oswalt out of Heritage Academy in Columbus was named National Junior College Athletic Association All-Region 23. Oswalt posted a 22-5 record in the circle with three saves and 108 strikeouts.
Freshman shortstop Kayla Beckham out of Neshoba Central High School was also named All-Region 23. Beckham led the team in several statistical categories, including a .430 batting average and 71 hits. She tied for the team lead with eight home runs and also had 48 RBI and scored 63 runs.
Sophomore infielder Brittney McCray out of Sumrall High School, freshman catcher Cassie Obman from Caledonia High School, and freshman pitcher Mackenzie Rousseau from Vanderbilt Catholic in Houma, La., were all named Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges All-State.
McCray hit .383 on the season, with 62 hits, five home runs, and 40 RBI. She led the team with 18 doubles. Obman batted .410 in her first season with 55 hits and six home runs. She led the Lady Warriors with 54 RBI. In the circle, Rousseau had a 19-3 record with one save and 66 strikeouts.
Freshman infielder Madalyn McMahon out of Neshoba Central and freshman outfielder Shelby Walters from Northwest Rankin were both MACJC Honorable Mention All-State. McMahon hit .325 on the season and scored a team-high 64 runs. She also tied for the team lead in home runs with eight and had 14 doubles and 20 RBI. Walters hit .380 with 26 RBI. She had a 1.000 fielding percentage with no errors on the season.
ECCC head softball coach Kristin Chaney also announced team honors following the season.
Beckham earned the Most Valuable Player award, Walters received the Most Valuable Defense award, and Obman received the Most Valuable Offense award. Oswalt received the Pitching Award and McMahon received the Baserunning Award. Freshman outfielder Mackenzie Johnson of Nanih Waiya High School received the Hustle Award and sophomore outfielder Abby Winstead of Sebastopol High School earned the Most Improved and Lady Warrior awards.
East Central finished the 2017 season with a 42-8 record and advanced to the MACJC State Tournament.
