The Loyd Star Lady Hornets battled the Bogue Chitto Lady Cats in their first annual ‘Strike Out Cancer’ softball contest Friday night at Jan Smith Delaughter Field.

The event brought in a large crowd to give and show their support as Loyd Star recognized everyone that has battled cancer of any type. Over $1,120 was collected and dominated to the American Cancer Society.

The Lady Hornets managed to pull out an exciting 3-2 win over the Lady Cats in the contest.

“Mackenzie Smith pitched a great game,” said Loyd Star coach Jan Delaughter. “Abagail Thornton and Raigan Smith got the key hits we needed to win the game. Overall, this was a great game for both teams. I would like to thank everyone for coming out and supporting us in our first annual ‘Strike Out Cancer’ contest.”

Loyd Star (19-2, 8-0) is scheduled to be in action Monday as they host a varsity doubleheader against the Pearl River Central Lady Blue Devils, starting at 5 p.m.

The Lady Cats (10-8, 5-1) will resume action Monday as they host the West Lincoln Lady Bears for senior night. Junior varsity action begins at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity game at 6:15 p.m.

Loyd Star 3, Bogue Chitto 2

The Lady Hornets and the Lady Cats provided an exciting defensive battle for their softball fans.

Loyd Star managed to secure an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning and increased their lead to 3-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning.

The Lady Cats rallied back in the top of the sixth inning scoring two runs to cut into Loyd Star’s lead and break up the shut out.

“We definitely had a tough time getting started tonight. A week layoff really hurts,” BC Coach Scott Leggett said. “Loyd Star did a good job capitalizing on a couple of our mistakes to get the win.”

Mackenzie Smith was the winning pitcher on the rubber for Loyd Star with 13 strikeouts and three walks.

Alana Nettles suffered the setback for BC with no strikeouts and two walks. Codi Leggett (0K, 1BB) also pitched in relief.

Abagail Thornton was the top slugger for the Lady Hornets at the plate with two singles. Raigan Smith provided a single.

Terrah Nelson paced the Lady Cats’ offense with two singles.

In junior varsity action,  Bogue Chitto edged Loyd Star 2-1.

Codi Leggett collects the win for BC on the mound with six strikeouts and one walk.

Aly Floyd absorbed the setback on the rubber for Loyd Star with one strikeout and no walks. Ali Gartman (4K, 1BB) started for the Lady Hornets.

Leggett led the Lady Cats at the plate with a double. Hitting safely were Baileigh Jackson, Reagan Kirkland and Payton Barron.

Marley Poole paced the Lady Hornets offense with two singles. Meagan Poole contributed a triple. Lesley Walker and Johnna Norman hit safely.