Lady Patriots begin season 3-0

The Marshall Academy Lady Patriots got off to a good start on the opening weekend of the season.

The defending Class AA state softball champions went 3-0 in the Magnolia Heights  Tournament.

“Our pitching was very strong,” coach Carlton Gibson said. “We gave up one earned run in 18 innings.”

MA knocked off Copiah Academy 3-1.

Carlie Vannucci pitched the complete six innings. She gave up just two hits, struck out 11 and walked only one.

Getting one hit each were Faith Shankle, Vannucci, Rayne Rippee, Hallie Turner and Victoria Gurley.

The Lady Patriots blanked Tunica Academy 5-0.

Turner pitched the complete six innings – striking out nine, giving up only one hit and also hitting one batter.

Shankle led the offense with two hits. Adding one hit each were Vannucci, R. Rippee, Turner and Zoey Rippee.

MA turned back Lee Academy (Clarksdale) 2-1.

Vannucci pitched three innings. She gave up no hits and struck out six.

Turner also threw three innings, striking out eight and giving up three hits.

R. Rippee, Turner, Gurley and Z. Rippee each had a hit in the one-run victory.

“I was pleased with our pitching; our defense can be better; and we have a lot of work to do batting,” Gibson said. “Overall, I was pleased with how the first weekend went.”

The Lady Patriots were scheduled to host Magnolia Heights on Tuesday. They host West Memphis Christian (Ark.) Thursday at 4 p.m. This Saturday, Aug. 4, they will compete in the Indianola Tournament. Next Monday, Aug. 6, they visit Heritage, and next Tuesday, Aug. 7, they go to West Memphis Christian.