The high school softball season in Union County featured parity with all of the teams competing on similar levels. Only one school advanced to the state tournament - Smackover, which qualified in Class 3A.
Individually, several players managed to separate themselves from the pack and combine to form the News-Times All-Area Softball Team.
HARMONY GROVE - One bad inning spoiled a whole bunch of good ones Tuesday as Harmony Grove upended Smackover 8-5 in 3A 8 softball action. The Lady Bucks fell to 13-6, 9-4.
JUNCTION CITY - El Dorado collected 13 hits, including three home runs Thursday in a 13-10, come-from-behind win at Junction City. The Lady Wildcats improved to 4-6 and will host White Hall on Friday. The Lady Dragons fell to 8-5 and will travel to Ouachita on Friday.
CAMDEN - El Dorado’s softball team opened the season Monday with a 15-5 loss at Camden Fairview. The Lady Wildcats only gave up five hits but committed eight errors and walked eight batters in five innings.
HOT SPRINGS - El Dorado pounded out 18 hits and committed zero errors Friday in an 18-5 win at Hot Springs. The Lady Wildcats improved to 5-8 in 5A South action with their third win in a row.