MCCOMB – The Brookhaven Lady Panthers escaped with a 4-2 victory over their archrivals, the McComb Lady Tigers, Thursday night in slowpitch softball action.

The Lady Panthers (9-6, 4-0) resume action Tuesday. They will host Region 6A/5A foe the Murrah Lady Mustangs. Junior varsity begins at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity game at 6.

Brookhaven 4, McComb 2

The Lady Panthers and Lady Tigers provided their softball fans with a tough defensive bout.

Brookhaven and McComb battled back-and-forth in a scoreless game until the third inning when both teams scored two runs apiece.

The game remained tied at two all until the fifth inning, when the Lady Panther pushed across two runs to claim the lead and held on for the victory.

Alycen Speaks was the winning pitcher for Ole Brook with three strikeouts and seven walks.

Leyton Terrell absorbed the setback for McComb with one strikeout and no walks.

Jada Henderson was the offensive leader for the Lady Panther with a home run. Kat Wallace and Tia Bussey contributed a pair of singles. Danielle Battiest had a double. Hitting safely were Julianna Porter, Katherine Shell, Chantel Quarles and Haley Speaks.

Ashley Bonds directed the Lady Tigers’ offense with a home run. Katie Kalusche had two singles. Kristen Johnson, Dorian Fielder, Bethany Davis and Terrell hit safely.

In JV action, Ole Brook defeated McComb 8-4.

Relegh Allen tossed the victory for Brookhaven with five strikeouts and three walks.

The Lady Panthers were led by singles from Jayden Fuller, Fallon Brooks, Bussey, Henderson and Wallace.

Freneshia Harris was the top hitter for the Lady Tigers with a double and a single. Shatonia Coney had a double and Isis Tucker singled.