BOGUE CHITTO – The Bogue Chitto Lady Cats crushed the Loyd Star Lady Hornets and secured a 9-1 victory Thursday night in softball action.

“Good job,” said BC coach Scott Leggett. “The girls were ready to play and managed to get the big hits we needed. Overall I was very pleased with our effort.”

The Lady Cats (17-7, 5-1) continue action today. They host the Wesson Lady Cobras (16-4, 8-0) for Senior Night. The junior varsity game begins at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity at 6. BC and Wesson have received a bye in the first round of the state playoffs after winning their regions and start their march next week.

The Lady Hornets (14-12, 6-2) visit Forest to battle the Scott Central Lady Rebels (11-7, 4-4) today in the opening round of the State 2A playoffs. Game time is 4 p.m. Loyd Star returns home Saturday to host Scott Central for Game Two at 1 p.m., followed by Game Three, if necessary.

Bogue Chitto 9, Loyd Star 1

The Lady Cats set the tone of the game in the bottom of the first inning as they pushed across one run.

The Lady Hornets answered and tied the game at 1-all in the top of the third.

BC outscored Loyd Star 8-0 in the final four innings and cruised to the win.

Senior Rheagan Welch was the winning pitcher for the Lady Cats with seven strikeouts and two walks. Welch allowed just two hits.

Kelsie McCullough suffered the setback for the Lady Hornets with three strikeouts and no walks.

First baseman Alexis Givens sparked BC’s offense with a double and three singles. Adrienne Wallace fueled the flames with a triple and a single. Mattie Avants and Mallory Allen contributed a pair of singles each. Hitting safely were Daley Roberts, Christian Black, Alana Nettles, Colby Kirkland and Kerri McGehee.

Julie Smith and Abigail Thornton were the offensive leaders for the Lady Hornets with a single apiece.

“We did not come ready to play,” said Loyd Star coach Jan Delaughter. “Bogue Chitto played really well and we did not answer their challenge.”