Marshall cruises in district opener

The Marshall Academy softball team started a busy week by avenging a loss from earlier in the season.

On Monday, Aug. 10, at home, the Lady Patriots turned up the heat on offense and knocked off Calhoun Academy 12-7.

Maddie Hudson enjoyed a three-hit afternoon, while Bailey Thomas and Aubrey Brigance drove in four and three runs, respectively. MA used three pitchers with KayLynn Coey starting and getting the win. Leadoff batter Hudson swiped six bases.

Marshall followed that up with a win in its first District 1-3A game of the season, 13-0 over West Memphis Christian School Thursday, Aug. 13, on the home diamond. The Lady Pats scored 10 runs in the bottom of the first inning, and due to the run rule, the contest only lasted two and a half innings. Brigance had three runs batted-in and stole four bases. Esme Cavender was the winning pitcher.

On Saturday, Aug. 15, MA traveled to Clinton to participate in the Tri-County Tournament and went 1-1-1 against some stout competition.

The Lady Patriots and Simpson Academy ended in a 1-1 deadlock due to time limit. MA tallied its only run in the bottom of the first. Simpson tied it in the top of the fifth.

“We had opportunities and couldn’t capitalize,” coach Jamie Rappa said.

Marshall fell 5-2 to Bowling Green School in game two. The Lady Pats held a 2-0 lead going into the fifth, when the opposition pushed across five runs.

MA closed the tournament with a 6-1 victory over rival Magnolia Heights. Hudson led the way with three hits. Kyleigh Milliorn had two hits and two RBIs. Coey went the five-inning distance for the win from the circle.

“I’m very proud of this group,” said Rappa, whose squad moved to 10-2-1. “The effort has been there every game this year, and we will be fine as long as that continues.”

The Lady Patriots hosted North Delta Tuesday in district action. They visit Starkville Academy Thursday, then play in a tournament at Magnolia Heights on Saturday.