By Brad Greer

The North Delta Lady Green Wave passed its first major hurdle of the young softball season in dominating fashion with a 3-0 shutout of previously undefeated and No.3 ranked Magnolia Heights Wednesday in Senatobia. 

Caroline Dickins fired a one-hitter while striking out 13 to pick up the complete game victory. Having escaped a one out jam in the first inning, the junior right-hander retired the next 16 batters in a row before surrendering a two-out single to Mary Alex Sandridge in the sixth.

North Delta (4-2) gave all the run support Dickins would need by jumping out to a 1-0 lead in the first as Janie Brassell walked with the bases loaded to force in a run. Magnolia Heights (7-1) managed only four base runners throughout the game, two via walks while the other on a hit batter. 

The Lady Wave added to its lead, to 3-0, in the fifth with two runs on one hit. Mary Margaret Pearson led off the inning with a single and later scored on a passed ball. Anna Lloyd accounted for the other run by reaching on an error and later scoring on a fielder’s choice by Myles Durham. Dickins and Hailey Lamm each doubled for North Delta at the plate.

Sandridge struck out eight and gave up one earned run in taking the loss.

The Lady Wave returns to the diamond this weekend by hosting the North Delta Summer Classic at Trussel Park. North Delta will open up the seven-team event tonight by taking on Marshall on Field 1 at 7 followed by the ‘B’ team  facing Bayou at 8:30 p.m.

North Delta opens up pool play Saturday morning at 8 against Greenville Christian on Field 2 before taking on Tunica Academy. The Lady Wave ‘B’ squares off against Magnolia Heights at 9:30 a.m. on Field 1.  Bracket play is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. with the championship game slated for 8 p.m.

North Delta opens up district play Monday by hosting Indianola at 5 p.m. with the JV contest followed by varsity play.