De Queen girls set for state

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.—The De Queen Lady Leopard softball team isn't playing for a state championship in Fayetteville at Bogle Park by chance.

The Lady Leopards have clawed their way to a 29-4 record and possibly the first state championship in school history. De Queen faces Valley View for the Conference 5A state softball championship at 3 p.m. on May 19.

“We've been to five Final Fours and lost them all,” De Queen head softball coach Tracy Nealy said.

Nealy has spent 23 of his 32 years at the helm for the Lady Leopards, with this being his first state title appearance. De Queen has faced off with powerhouse Vilonia for three consecutive years, with the Lady Leopards winning this year and the Lady Eagles winning the two previous years.

“I like our chances against Valley View. If we hit the ball like we're capable of, we shouldn't have a problem,” Nealy said.

Valley View punched its ticket to the title game by defeating Greenbrier, 4-3. The Lady Blazers are 24-6 overall and 13-2 in conference play. Senior Madison Pierce will lead Valley View from the circle.

The Lady Leopards are led in the circle by their senior leader Josie Vaught. Vaught boasts a conference leading 19-2 record, while walking 18 and striking out a team-leading 131 batters.

“Josie Vaught is one of the best. Her stats speak for themselves,” Nealy said.

De Queen also has momentum on their side. The Lady Leopards have won 44 out of their last 45 conference games.

“Most of my girls are four-year starters. That plays a part in the success of this year's team,” Nealy said.

Nealy's team has also found motivation through tradgedy. Nealy's daughter, J.K. Nealy, suffered a fatal seizure during the season, and the team dedicated this season to her.

“She was extremely close to all the girls. She would bring cookies to practice and stuff like that. It means the world to me that they dedicated the season to her and, thankfully, we're having a great season,” Nealy said.