MA softball team knocks off Copiah, Leake

The Marshall Academy softball team traveled south for the second consecutive Saturday and again won two of three games in a tough early-season tournament.

Coach Jamie Rappa’s squad recorded four-run and threerun victories over Copiah Academy and Leake Academy, respectively, before dropping a five-run decision to Tri-County Academy last Saturday. The Tri-County Tournament was played at Traceway Park in Clinton. The previous tourney was played at the Magee Sports Complex.

The Lady Patriots lit up the scoreboard in the first inning against Copiah. They grabbed a quick 4-0 lead on their way to a 6-2 win.

Sparking an 11-hit offensive attack were Aubrey Brigance, Charlie Johnson and Azley Ashby, all with two hits each. Ashby also stole three bases.

The winning pitcher was Kyleigh Milliorn. She gave up only two hits, while striking out five and walking three in four innings of work.

MA continued its first-inning success versus Leake. The Lady Pats, trailing early 10, scored four in the bottom of the first and went on to snatch a 6-3 win.

Johnson drove in three of Marshall’s six runs with a big double. Brigance carried a hot bat with three hits, and Aurora Cervantes added two.

Esme Cavender tossed four innings and earned the win from the circle. She struck out one, walked one and gave up five hits. Her sister, Eliza Cavender, picked up the save.

The MA offense couldn’t get on track early to close the tournament. Meanwhile, the opponent did. Tri-County scored four in the first and four more in the second and knocked off the Lady Patriots 9-4.

Marshall had six hits, with Milliorn connecting for a double.

The Lady Pats committed five errors in the loss.

Marshall (4-3) goes to Magnolia Heights School on Thursday of this week. The home opener is next Monday, Aug. 18, versus Kirk Academy, and a road trip to North Delta School follows Tuesday, Aug. 19.