South baseball bounced

There will be no postseason for the South Iredell baseball squad.

North Lincoln made sure of that with a three-run first inning that put the Vikings behind the eight ball for the rest of Monday's game.

Although a tough loss, very few expected South to even force such a contest, a play-in game for the Southern Piedmont's fourth and final playoff spot.

South started the season 0-9 and lost to every county team it played.

But the Vikings really got a boost from a 25-0, five-inning win over Highland Tech. South won four of its last five conference games to force the play-in.

Credit coach Bobby Deal for righting the ship.

The Vikings have a chance - a pretty good one, I think - to make the playoffs for the first time since 1995 next season.

The biggest reason is pitcher Lane Marlowe. Marlowe came on strong at the end of the year, and he's that true ace every high school team needs.

If the Vikings can find a steady No. 2 starter, they'll win enough to make the postseason.