Playoffs begin

The season continues for two of the four parish softball teams, as both Pine Prairie and Sacred Heart have secured spots in the 2016 LHSAA playoffs.
Pine Prairie, by way of their 24-5 overall record, was seeded number eight in the tournament. The Lady Panthers were scheduled to host the number 25 seeded Berwick Lady Panthers on Saturday. Game time was set for 6 p.m.
“First of all, I just want to commend my players on a fantastic season,” stated Panther head coach Carolyn Deville. “They have really shown their heart and determination over the course of the year.”
“Last year we were the number 17 seed and this year we are at number seven,” Deville continued. “That shows a lot considering we are in one of the toughest classes in the state when it comes to softball. Berwick is going to be tough to beat. They come out of a very competitive district and are no strangers to playoff softball. We are going to have to perform at the highest level to have a chance to win.”
Pine Prairie comes into the contest sporting a perfect 11-0 record at home and is the District 5-3A co-champions.
The Lady Panthers come into the first round playoff game averaging 9.8 runs per game and only give up 2.8 runs per game. At one point in the season Pine Prairie was 19-0.
The Lady Panthers are no strangers to playoff softball, having made the postseason every year since 2003 including two state championships; the most recent in 2005. Last year the Lady Panthers made it to the regional round of the playoffs, losing to Kaplan 5-1.
Berwick is also a familiar face in the postseason. The Lady Panthers have been in the playoffs every year since 2000, winning a state title in 2003 and were state runners-up in 2001.
Berwick is 10-15 on the season and a meager 3-8 on the road. The Lady Panthers score an average of 6.1 runs per game but give up a hefty 7.6 runs a game on defense. Berwick was the fourth place team in District 8-3A this season.
Sacred Heart will face a very familiar opponent in their first round contest, as they travel to take on District 5-2A rival and number 13 seeded Opelousas Catholic. Sacred Heart the number 20 seed is set to play the Lady Vikings tomorrow. Game time is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
Opelousas Catholic and Sacred Heart played each other twice this past season, with the Lady Vikings getter the best of the Lady Trojans on both occasions. Opelousas Catholic defeated Sacred Heart by the scores of 9-8 and 11-1.
“We don’t like to have to play them (O.C.) again,” said Sacred Heart head coach Glenn Lafleur. “But, it is how the system is set up with the power points. I know they do not want to have to play us either. The only thing is that we are very familiar with each other.”
“They beat us twice this year, but our line-up has changed since we last played them,” Lafleur continued. “I told the girls, the third time is the charm. We just have to be more patience at the plate. It is going to be a mind game for both teams.”
The Lady Trojans finished the season with an overall record of 12-12 and are 2-3 in non-tournament games on the road. Sacred Heart averages 7.6 runs per game and allows 7.8 runs per game. The Lady Trojans finished third in district play.
Sacred Heart has won five state championships, the last coming in 2001. The Lady Trojans have been a part of
the playoffs every year since the mid 1990’s. Last season Sacred Heart made it to the quarterfinals before losing to Mangham 5-4.
Opelousas Catholic comes into the game with an overall record of 13-8, but is 5-1 at home this season. The Lady Vikings average 6.5 runs per game, but only allow 4.2 runs per game.