The Loyd Star Lady Hornets defeated the Lake Lady Hornets 5-0 Thursday night to secure the sweep in the second game of Class 2A fastpitch softball playoffs at Jan Smith Delaughter Field.

“Makenzie Smith pitched a great game and we played really well defensively behind her,” said Loyd Star coach Jan Delaughter. “Johnna Norman had a great series at the plate against Lake.”

Loyd Star (20-7) will return to action Monday when the Lady Hornets visit Sandhill to play the Pisgah Lady Dragons in the first game. The Lady Hornets will host the second and third game, if needed, Tuesday. Game times have not been set.

Loyd Star 5, Lake 0 

Makenzie Smith had a dominating performance in the circle for Loyd Star. She pitched a shutout, allowing no runs on three hits while ringing up nine batters in seven innings of work.

Loyd Star scored two runs in the second on a groundout by Julie Smith. The Lady Hornets added three more runs in the sixth to collect a 5-0 victory.

Johnna Norman directed Loyd Star’s offense with two RBIs on two hits – a single each in the second and sixth innings. Megan Norton provided two singles and Ali Gartman finished with a single.

Bryanna Luke couldn’t get it done on the rubber for Lake, taking the loss. She lasted six innings, walked one, struck out one and allowed five runs.

Taylor Evans, Bryanna Luke and Hanna Wilkerson recorded the only three hits for Lake with a single each.