East Columbus High softball pitcher Jessica McPherson (above) makes a throw to first base while being backed up by third baseman Briana Jacobs in the Lady Gators’ 10-0 non-conference victory over the visiting West Columbus Vikings last Friday. In photo below Sara Garrell slides home safely with an East Columbus run. Coach Larry Williamson’s Lady Gators are off to a 3-0 start this season with a shutout in each game. The ECHS softball squad will be battling for its fourth straight Waccamaw Conference championship this spring.