Marshall claims district crown

The Marshall Academy Lady Patriots ended the regular season on a high note, capturing the District 1-3A championship and sweeping a pair of wins over larger schools.

Behind a 10-hit attack, Marshall Academy dominated Lee Academy 11-2 on Monday, Sept. 21, to conclude an undefeated run through district play.

Bailey Thomas drilled two home runs and drove in three runs. KayLynn Coey added three hits and three RBIs, while Aubrey Brigance and Azley Ashby collected two hits apiece. Coey earned the win in the circle.

The next day, Class 3A Marshall hosted Class 4A rival Magnolia Heights and rolled to a 9-1 victory, highlighted by a four-run fourth inning.

Thomas drove in six runs on two hits, including another home run. Kendall Matthews recorded three hits, and Kyleigh Milliorn stole three bases. Matthews earned the pitching win, yielding just three hits and striking out two. She threw 45 strikes on 67 pitches.

“It was a well-played game by our Lady Patriots,” head coach Jamie Rappa said. “We had a very unselfish, patient approach to the game, and we got a great outing in the circle by Matthews.”

Marshall Academy hit the road Wednesday, Sept. 23, dropping a 4-3 decision to DeSoto School in Arkansas. The Lady Patriots managed just four hits and committed two errors.

The team returned home Thursday for senior night against Class 4A Starkville Academy.

After honoring seniors Coey, Maddie Hudson and Thomas, the Lady Patriots turned in a dominant performance, celebrating a 13-3 victory.

The offense pounded out 14 hits. Thomas led the charge with three hits and six RBIs, including her fourth home run of the week. Hudson also had three hits, while Milliorn and Brigance added two each. Hudson stole four bases. Coey earned the win with four solid innings.