Lady Pats win two of three in tourney

The highlight of opening week for the Marshall Academy softball team was two wins in the Copiah Tournament.

The Lady Patriots took two of three in the August 2 tourney at Magee Sports Complex. Bouncing back strongly from a 14-0 loss to Columbia Academy to start the day, MA knocked off big school Jackson Prep 41 and then crushed Clinton Christian 14-0.

Marshall broke a 1-1 deadlock versus Prep with three runs in the bottom of the fifth.

Aubrey Brigance had two hits in the victory. Driving in one run each were Azley Ashby, Eliza Cavender and Gracie Rappa.

Kyleigh Milliorn, who tossed all six innings, was the winning pitcher. She gave up five hits, struck out six and walked only one. The Lady Pats hammered nine hits in a three-and-half inning rout of Clinton Christian.

Leading the way from the plate were Ashby with three hits and Brigance with two. Cavender and Rappa each had two runs-batted-in. Ashby also stole two bases.

Cavender pitched three innings and recorded the win. She gave up two hits, struck out four and walked five. Kendall Matthews pitched one inning of relief and struck out the side.

Marshall had just two hits in the loss to Columbia to open the one-day tournament.

In the regular season opener Monday, July 28, the Lady Patriots dropped a 6-5 decision at DeSoto School in West Helena, Ark. They rallied to take a 5-3 lead in the top of the seventh but gave up three in the bottom of the inning as the Lady Thunderbirds got the walk-off victory.

Milliorn had two doubles and three RBIs for MA. Brigance added a pair of hits. Aurora Cervantes stole two bases.

The Lady Patriots (2-2) will play in the Tri-County Tournament this Saturday, August 9.