Lady Tigers reach state tournament in first year of 4A play
Written by The Shreveport Times
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Benton High School's move to Class 4A was hardly an obstacle for the Lady Tigers softball team.
Despite the move up from Class 3A, Benton is returning to the state softball tournament. Benton, the No. 6 seed, will play No. 3 seed Live Oak, on Friday at noon.
Actually, the move up in classification helped the Lady Tigers this season.
"Much better competition with Haughton, Parkway and Northwood," Benton coach Michelle Owens said. "And we play a lot more district games also, so we started a lot earlier.
"I think it helped us going into playoffs having played good quality teams."
Benton won the District 1-4A softball title this season.
In its two playoff games, Benton has not allowed a run. The Lady Tigers shut out McDonogh #35, 15-0, and defeated Pearl River, 9-0.
"I think we've peaked at the right time," Owens said. "I think we're finally starting to hit the ball. We've really gained a lot of confidence and the seniors have been such great leaders all year. With them gaining confidence, that's the main thing.
