The Brookhaven Lady Panthers struck early in the game and shutout the host West Lincoln Lady Bears 9-0 Tuesday night in slowpitchsoftball action.

We hit the ball really well tonight,” said BHS head coach LisaCovington. “Hopefully, we can carry that over to theplayoffs.”

The Bears honored their seniors: Karli Herrington, Katie Mullins,Jessica Franklin, Haley Ainsworth and Alexis Cook; last night withshowers of gifts.

The Panthers (16-7, 3-0) resume play Thursday, traveling to facethe Warren Central Lady Vikings for the last game of the regularseason. It is set for a varsity game only, starting at 5:30p.m.

Brookhaven, the region champ, hosts West Jones Tuesday in theopening round of the Class 5A state playoffs. It will be abest-of-three series at the BHS Lady Panthers Complex.

West Lincoln (6-13, 0-2) ended regular season play Tuesday night.The Bears have a week to prepare for their Class 1A playoff run asthey travel to Sebastopol Tuesday, Oct. 3, to face the Bobcats in abest-of-three series. All games, including a third game ifnecessary, will be played on the same day.

BHS 9, WL 0

Brooke Hosick (2K, 0BB) pitched the win for the Panthers. JessicaFranklin (0K, 0BB) absorbed the loss for the Bears who fell behind5-0 in the first inning and trailed 9-0 after three..

Erica Lenior provided the offensive firepower for Brookhaven with adouble and two singles. Taylor Murray and Dana Herring continued tofuel the flames with three singles apiece. Erica Bridwell, SarahAyers and Hosick contributed two singles apiece. MadelineDeLaughter hit a double and a single. Hitting safely were EmilyFreeman, Rashana Stewart and Shelby Case.

Marisa Pruski and Katie Hester led the Lady Bears with two singlesapiece. West Lincoln got singles from Haley Ainsworth, Micah Redd,Heather Moak and Franklin.

“We did not play well in the first two innings,” said West Lincolnhead coach Andrew Redd. “Then our defense picked up and we playedsolid the rest of the game. We have three players out due toinjuries but we should have everyone back for the playoffs.”

In JV action, The Lady Bears posted a 8-4 victory over Brookhaven.Heather Moak (2K, 1BB) pitched the win.

Alli Mullins, Hanna Moak, Ashley Thomas, Britnee Blakeney and LexisLeggett led West Lincoln with a single apiece.

Mandy Jackson led the Panthers’ offense with two singles. Ivy Smithhit a double. Hitting safely were Alycen Speaks, Shelby Peavey,Cheyanne Smith, Katherine Shell, Madison Case, Emily Mezzanares andMurray.