Ninety Six edged Latta in game 1 of the Class 2A state championship series played in Due West.
The Latta Lady Vikings took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning on a triple by Riana Green
Latta added another run in the top of the second inning. The score remained 2-0 until the bottom of the fourth inning when Ninety Six tied the game at 2. Ninety Six added 2 more runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a 4-2 lead.
Latta scored a run in the top of the sixth to cut the lead to 4-3 when Jesseyln Bryant doubled.
Ninety Six responded with a run in the bottom of the sixth to go up 5-3.
The Latta Vikings connected for 9 hits in the game including a home run in the second inning and a rbi in 3 at-bats by Arica Gandy. Riana Green had a triple, a double, a rbi, and scored a run in her 3 at- bats. Jesselyn Bryant had a double and a rbi in her 3 at-bats. Jayla
Jackson had 2 singles and scored a run in her 4 at-bats. Kaleigh
Caulder had 2 singles in her 4 at-bats. Jena Stutler had a single in her 4 at-bats. Lauren Webster garnered a walk in her 3 plate appearances.
Ninety Six managed 8 hits in the game. Gracie Lollis had 2 singles, 3 rbi, and scored a run in her 3 at-bats. Kylie Campbell had 2 singles and scored 2 runs in her 3 at-bats. Tweety Robinson had 2 singles and scored a run in her 3 at-bats. Meredith Hendrix had a single and scored a run in her 3 at-bats. Carlee Stockman had a single and a walk in her 3 plate appearances.
Arica Gandy started the game for Latta and pitched 5 innings. She allowed 8 hits, walked 1, struck out 5, and allowed 5 earned runs.
Jayla Jackson pitched the sixth inning and allowed no hits, no walks, and no runs.
Carlee Stockman picked up the win. She pitched 7 innings and allowed 9 hits, walked 1, struck out 6, and and allowed 3 earned runs.
Neither team committed an error in the game.
Game 2 of the 2A state championship was played in Latta on Wednesday, May 15, at the home of the 2015 and 2017 State champions coached by Head Coach Stephanie Ard and her assistants.
