Scotland softball coach Pat Williams has a message for any team that may cross the Fighting Scots’ postseason path.

Be ready.

“My four seniors aren’t ready to pack up their uniforms and the underclassmen are following suit,” said Williams, referring to Scotland seniors Kayla Dees, Cori Newton, Shae Barnes and Sarah Cross. “This team is excited, not nervous, about performing in the playoffs, and they want to show everyone that our record doesn’t reflect the team they’re going to face.”

All four of the Fighting Scots seniors had big games in the opening round of the 4-A state playoffs Friday night, as Scotland got off to a hot start en route to a 7-3 road win over first-round opponent Millbrook, in a battle of third-seeded teams.

Dees, Newton, Barnes and Cross were a combined 9-16 from the plate against the Wildcats, and helped the Fighting Scots surge to a 6-0 lead after the top of the first inning. All seven of Scotland’s runs were scored off of hits.

Despite a spring sports schedule packed with softball and track and field, Newton soldiered through another solid outing on the pitcher’s mound, throwing seven complete innings with three earned runs and four strikeouts.

And while she hasn’t been an every day starter for the Fighting Scots this season, junior Quintavia Deberry made a huge impact as part of the starting lineup Friday night. Deberry went 3-4 with two RBIS and two runs scored.

“If a player is part of this program, at any given time they are expected to contribute for us either at the plate or at a position when we need them most,” Williams said. “Quintavia took the bull by the horns for us against Millbrook.”

The Fighting Scots will play their second round playoff game Tuesday night, against an opponent that has yet to be determined. Check back with the Laurinburg Exchange print and online editions in the days ahead for more information.