The Latta Lady Vikings and the Cheraw Lady Braves “faced off” against one another on the rain-soaked softball field in Latta on Wednesday, April 6.
Prior to the game, the Latta Lady Vikings held “Senior Night” as soon as there was a “break” in the rain. Four seniors and the Latta bookkeeper were honored. The softball players honored were Jena Stutler, Averi Lovell, Ragan Bethea, and Elizabeth Brown. The Latta bookkeeper was Leeann Lane.
#2 Jena Stutler
Jena is the daughter of Jeff and Shannon Stutler. Jena has played for the Lady Vikings for the past 6 years. At Latta High School, Jena is a member of the National Honor Society. In addition to Softball, Jena has also played Volleyball for Latta High School. In the Fall, Jena plans to attend Florence Darlington Technical College to pursue a degree in Radiology. Her favorite softball memory at Latta High School has been the bus rides home and playing for state twice with her best friend, Jayla Jackson. As Jena closes her Lady Viking Softball career, she encourages the Lady Vikings enjoy your time and play hard
#2 your Short Stop, Jena Stutler
#4 Averi Lovell
Averi is the daughter of Misty Lovell and Garland Lovell. Averi has played for the Lady Vikings for the past 6 years. At Latta High School, Averi is a member of the National Honor Society. In the Fall, Averi plans to attend the University of South Carolina Columbia and major in Public Health. Her favorite softball memories at Latta High School are the home Buford game in 2022, the bus rides with my teammates, building a second family and even being made to run my laps. As Averi closes her Lady Viking Softball career, she encourages the Lady Vikings t0 enjoy every practice, game, and most importantly always cherish the friendships you made. Avery would also like to say a special thank you to her parents, family and coaches for supporting her. To Nana, I know you are here with us today.
#4 your Center Fielder, Averi Lovell
#8 Ragan Bethea
Ragan is the daughter of Health and Misty Bethea. Ragan has played for the Lady Vikings for the past 6 years. At Latta High School, Ragan is a member of the National Honor Society and also played volleyball for LHS. In the Fall, Ragan will continue her Softball career at Guilford College where she plans to major in Forensic Science. Her favorite softball memories at Latta High School are the preseason tournament and winning Lower State last year. As Ragan closes her Lady Viking Softball career, she encourages the Lady Vikings to always have fun and never let failure bring you down.
#8 your Left Fielder, Ragan Bethea
#12 Elizabeth Brown
Elizabeth is the daughter of Drs. Wade and Bryant Brown. Elizabeth has played for the Lady Vikings for the past 6 years. At Latta High School, Elizabeth is a member of the National Honor Society, Girl Talk Mentor, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Member, and International Baccalaureate Student. Elizabeth was also the 2022 Player of the Year for Class 2A. In the Fall, Elizabeth plans to attend the Clemson University and major in Pre-professional Health Studies. Her favorite softball memory at Latta High School is how the school and community supported us through unforgettable theme nights during playoffs in 2022.
As Elizabeth closes her Lady Viking Softball career, she encourages the Lady Vikings to make every moment count because it will be over before you know it.
#12 your Catcher, Elizabeth Brown
Last but not least, our Bookkeeper, Mrs. Leann Lane.
Leann is married to Mr. Kris Lane, and they have four children: Senior Ashlyn Barber, Juniors Nick and Noah Lane, and Freshman Reese Barber.
Leann has been the Lady Vikings Bookkeeper for Coach Melton for 5 years on JV and 4 years on Varsity. Leann is a Project Lead the Way teacher at Latta Middle School and is the National Junior Honor Society Lead Advisor. In addition, Leann is the current Teacher of the Year at Latta Middle School. Leann is a graduate of the University of Phoenix with a Bachelors in Arts in Elementary Education. She currently attends Converse College where she is pursuing add-on certification in Special Education. Her favorite softball memories at Latta High School are building relationship and cheering loud and proud for the girls on and off the field.
As Leann closes her Lady Viking Softball Bookkeeping career, she encourages the Lady Vikings to enjoy every practice, game, and most importantly always cherish the friendships you made.
Your Bookkeeper extraordinaire, Leann Lane
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald
