By Kevin Shannahan

One of the fiercest sports rivalries in the parish played out Saturday as the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office emerged victorious against the Natchitoches Police Department in the 5th annual “Battle of The Blue,” a softball game to raise funds for the St. Mary’s Lady Tiger softball team. Sheriff Victor Jones’ deputies brought the Ricky Issac Memorial Cup back to the Sheriff’s Office with a decisive 9-3 win against their rivals in blue before an enthusiastic crowd of Tiger fans, friends and family.

The Minor Basilica Of the Immaculate Conception’s new pastor, Fr. Blake Deshautelle, gave the invocation and kicked off the game with a ceremonial first pitch. Lady Tiger Meridith Matt pitched for the NPSO while Lady Chief Katie Carroll pitched for the NPD. The game has become a fixture of the Natchitoches sports scene and is expected to raise about $1,000 for the Lady Tigers to purchase much needed equipment for the upcoming season.