The Brookhaven Lady Panthers roared past the McComb Lady Tigers for a 13-5 victory Monday night in slowpitch softball action at the Ole Brook Softball Complex.

“The girls played outstanding defensively,” said BHS coach Chad Walker. “Our bats finally woke up in the later innings.”

Friends and family members gathered to recognize their only senior, Alycen Speaks, for senior night: She received showers of gifts and hugs from her family and friends.

The Lady Panthers (15-11, 8-0) continue action today. Brookhaven visits Jackson to play a Region 5-5A/6Avarsity doubleheader against the Murrah Lady Mustangs and the Provine Lady Rams at the VA Fields. Game time is at 5 p.m.

The Lady Tigers (6-16, 2-4) return home to host the Bogue Chitto Lady Cats today. Junior varsity begins at 5 p.m., followed by varsity action at 6:30.

Brookhaven 13, McComb 5 

The Lady Panthers and the Lady Tigers provided the softball fans with a great defensive battle as both schools battled hard to get their offense going.

McComb came out and set the tone in the first inning by grabbing a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the first inning, Brookhaven answered the Lady Tigers’ challenge with a three-run jolt to claim a 3-2 lead.

Both teams battled back and forth throughout the rest of the contest to keep the game close.

The Tiger managed to retake the lead in the sixth inning by pushing across two runs.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Ole Brook exploded with a 10-run blast to crush McComb and managed to limit the Lady Tigers to just one run in the seventh for the win.

Senior Alycen Speaks was the winning pitcher for the Lady Panthers with two strikeouts and four walks.

Paige Brock suffered the setback for the Lady Tigers with no strikeouts, three walks and one intentional walk.

Sophomore third basemen Katherine Shell provided the offensive spark to lead Ole Brook with a home run and a single. Julianna Porter and Alycen Speaks fueled the flames with a pair of singles. Danielle Batteast contributed a double. Hitting safely were Chantel Quarles, Haley Speaks and Kat Wallace.

Left-center fielder Bethany Davis was the offensive leader for McComb with a double and two singles. Ashley Bonds ripped a triple. Freneshia Harris and Katie Kalusche had a double each. Kristen Johnson and Brock hit safely.

“We did not come ready to play both mentally and physically,” said McComb coach Cody Hall.

 In JV action,  McComb defeated Brookhaven 8-5.

Freneshia Harris directed the Lady Tigers at the plate with two doubles. Isis Tucker had a single.

Jada Henderson paced the Lady Panthers’ offense with two singles. Kennedy Spiller, Nikeshia Finley, Fallon Brooks, Jadeyn Fuller and Wallace hit safely.