Katie Lomax shoots for third consecutive World Series title

Lake City native Katie Lomax and the rest of her Arkansas Heat teammates will travel to Columbus, Ind., July 26-Aug. 2, gunning for their third consecutive World Series Championship in Fast Pitch Softball. The 11 and Under Paragould based squad has taken home the title the past two seasons.

The Arkansas Heat is currently ranked number one in the nation, and holds a 600 point lead over the second place team heading into the World Series.

The Heat, who play virtually every weekend, have won six tournament championships this year, including the prestigious Wally Hall Tournament of Champions held in Little Rock. Lomax's team also took home tournament titles at the Diamond Jam, Delta Home Run Derby Tournament, the Flame Thrower Classic, the Tipton Stars Tournament and the USFA Easter Extravaganza. The Heat, who often play up in age to face older competition, hold runner-up finishes in the USFA 2009 Grand Slam Tournament, the 2009 Kickoff Classic, the FAYRO Charity Classic and the Triple Diamond Series Tournament.

Success doesn't come without hard work, as the Heat practice 11 months out of the year. The team has its own practice field located in Paragould, and boasts an indoor facility when weather is bad.

Lomax has shown her versatility, playing second base, third base and the outfield, but her current position is left field. Lomax started as a right handed hitter but was converted to the left side of the plate a couple of years ago. The switch has helped the Buffalo Island Central student excel offensively. Lomax is hitting at a .440 clip with 40 RBI to go along with 27 walks. The fleet-footed Lomax has swiped 49 bases on the season.

"Katie has really improved since her switch to batting left handed," said Heat Head Coach Rex Nelson. "She just keeps getting better and better. Her speed and hustle are her main strengths plus she always has a smile on her face. She has a great attitude. She works so hard at everything she does."

"I like everything about softball," said Lomax. "Our team plays well together. We are all equal, kind of like a family. If we play well, I think we have a good chance of winning the championship again this year. The big thing is we just have a lot of fun."

Katie is the daughter of Samantha Tilley of Lake City and Kyle Lomax of Jonesboro. She is the granddaughter of Kenny and Beverly Lomax, who own Monette Discount Drug. Her grandparents travel to every tournament and help sponsor the team.

The Heat will enter the World Series with a record of 60-14.