Senate Concurrent Resolution 598

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BOONEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL "LADY BLUE DEVILS" GIRLS FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL TEAM AND COACH JESSICA TAYLOR FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST MHSAA CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Booneville High School "Lady Blue Devils" had never won a State Championship in fast-pitch softball, or even played in a Championship Series. That just made the May 13, 2021, 6-1 win over Raleigh High School to clinch the 2021 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) 3A Championship all the sweeter; and

WHEREAS, "These kids have worked so hard since last year when they got their season cut short. From day one, they've been grinding every single day. This was our ultimate goal and to come here and win is indescribable. It makes everything we've done and all the work we've put in worth it," said Booneville Coach Jessica Taylor; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Blue Devils (30-4) jumped all over the Raleigh starter who held this same Booneville lineup to two hits in Game One. Janet Thompson and Hallie Burns both singled in the top of the first, and eighth-grader Olivia Garrett turned on the third pitch she saw and launched it over the left-center wall. Garrett's blast gave Booneville a lead it never relinquished, but she and Burns weren't finished. They added back-to-back RBI doubles in the sixth inning, and Hannah Davis got in on the act with an RBI single to give Booneville six runs. Garrett went 3-for-4 at the plate with four RBIs, and Burns was 2-for-4. Both of them scored twice; and

WHEREAS, Booneville has returning talent; the Lady Blue Devils will graduate six players, but return the core of the lineup, including Burns and Garrett. "We're going to miss these seniors. They have worked so hard for four years to get this reward. We like this feeling too much" Taylor said; and

WHEREAS, Hallie Burns threw a complete-game one-hitter to give Booneville a 1-0 win over Raleigh in Game 1 of MHSAA 3A Fast-Pitch Softball Championship on May 12, 2021. She threw 66 of her 81 pitches for a strike, walked one hitter and allowed one hit with 14 strikeouts. She struck out every hitter in the Raleigh lineup at least once; and

WHEREAS, a lot of folks might struggle in a big-game environment in front of a lot of fans. Booneville's Hallie Burns thrived on it; and

WHEREAS, the 2021 Lady Blue Devils Fast-Pitch Softball Championship Roster: Amelia Nelson, Najah Friar, Sophie Sandlin, Makylah Pippins, Saylors Ellan, Ekford Ikea, Shaylea King, Madison Owens, Jalia Walden, Sara Hatch, Niayonna Agnew, Ashley Cunningham, Kathryn Donahue, Hallie Burns, Jordyn Wilson, Olivia Garrett, Madi Sartain, Kyra King, Claudia Wilson, Taylor Brooke White, Abbie McKinney, Makenzie Eldridge and Maddix Lambert; and Coach Jessica Taylor; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of student athletes who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Booneville High School "Lady Blue Devils" Girls Fast-Pitch Softball Team and Coach Jessica Taylor for winning their first MHSAA Class 3A State Championship, and extend the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future successes.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Jessica Taylor and Booneville High School Principal Bo Sandlin, forwarded to the Booneville School Board and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.