Senate Resolution 11

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BROOKHAVEN ACADEMY "LADY COUGARS" SOFTBALL TEAM AND COACH BECKY FLOWERS FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS (MAIS) 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, on Saturday, October 9, 2021, the dream became a reality as Brookhaven Academy outbattled Silliman Institute 9-5 in game three of their Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) 5A State Championship Series. Brookhaven Academy had won game one at home and then Silliman tied the series on their Clinton, Louisiana, homefield; and

WHEREAS, the meeting was the eighth of the season for the schools as they played twice during the regular season, twice during the South State Tournament, once during bracket play of the State Tournament, and now three times in the Championship Series. The Lady Cougars ended up with a 5-3 advantage in the overall series, but every game was close and nerve-wracking as the familiarity of meeting that many times turned checkers into chess; and

WHEREAS, as the teams swapped handshakes after the game, there were long pauses as the coaches and players from each side stopped and said words of encouragement to one another. This wasn't two groups walking by and slapping hands while saying, "Good game." "We've got a lot of respect for that team over there," said Brookhaven Academy Senior Abby Grace Richardson, as she pointed toward the dugout on the third base line where Silliman was beginning to pack up their things. "They play hard and don't give you anything"; and

WHEREAS, from the first pitch of the first practice in the worst heat that a Mississippi summer has to offer, this win was always the goal for the Brookhaven Academy Softball Team. The infield was strewn with discarded gloves and equipment at the teams on-campus softball field. Parents, sibling and other extended family members stood shoulder-to-shoulder on the diamond, jockeying for a better viewing position with iPhone cameras ready. In the middle of it all, wearing their blue pinstripes on a sunny, warm, beautiful October afternoon, stood the Lady Cougars, holding the blue-plated trophy that comes with winning an MAIS State Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Brookhaven Academy "Lady Cougars" Softball Team Roster: Madison Moak, Bailee Goodson, Emily Claire Felder, Abby Grace Richardson, Kensy Covington, Maddie Bullock, Annaston Poole, Miriam Wallace, Sasha King, Madelynn Lambert, Karci Case, Bailey Parks, Riley Ruffin, Alayna Daigle, Emme Barrett and Reagan Newman; Head Coach Becky Flowers and Assistant Coach Lisa Covington; Managers Laci Leggett, Jessi Covington, Mattie Leggett and Joleigh Langham; and

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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Brookhaven Academy "Lady Cougars" Softball Team and Coach Becky Flowers for winning the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) 5A State Championship, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Becky Flowers for the team, forwarded to Brookhaven Academy Headmaster Jason Case and the Board of Trustees, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.