The Lawrence County Lady Cougars pounded out 37 hits on Tuesday night as they demolished Purvis in two games, 16-2 and 15-2, in an MHSAA slow-pitch softball second round sweep.

“We played great defense all night,” said Lady Cougars coach Marc Howard. “We hit the ball very well in the first game but got a little complacent in game two.”

Lawrence County moves on to face Northeast Lauderdale on the road tonight. The winner of their series will face off with the winner of Newton County and Poplarville in the south state finals.

Poplarville moved on to face Newton County after beating Wesson in a tight three-game series Tuesday night.

The Lady Cobras won game one 8-7, lost game two 11-0, and game three 7-6 in eight innings.

“I’m very proud of the fight my girls showed,” said Lady Cobras coach Michelle Nunnery. “Nearly our entire outfield was in their first year as full-time starters on the varsity level and I’m pleased with how much they’ve improved.”

Wesson loses only two seniors in Shaylin Green and Madison Boleware.

West Lincoln was the other area team that traveled on Tuesday, as they played Enterprise-Clarke. The Lady Bears were swept 10-0 and 17-0 by the Lady Bulldogs.

“The girls played hard all season,” said longtime Lady Bear leader Andrew Redd. “They stepped up and exceeded expectations.”

The Lady Bears lose four seniors in Morgan Newman, Adi Paden, Georganna Allen and Maddox Redd.

Story by Cliff Furr