Photo: Kaitlyn Gentry of Hernando tripled and later scored to open the 7A state championship tilt against Northwest Rankin Thursday night. (Jon Myers/Mississippi Sports Group)
Northwest Rankin won the 7A state softball championship in a rain-shortened 6-3 victory over Hernando Thursday night at Southern Miss. With Thursday’s win, the Lady Cougars won the series 2-0 and completed an undefeated season at 34-0.
Although the game was in the sixth inning when it was called, the score reverted back to the fifth inning score. Northwest Rankin had actually taken a 12-3 lead in the contest when MHSAA decided to call the game due to rain and lightning in the Hattiesburg area.
After Hernando tied the game at 1-1 in the first inning, Northwest Rankin fashioned a five-spot on the scoreboard in the third inning to lead the contest 6-1. Hernando would answer with two runs in their half of the inning.
For Hernando, Kaitlyn Gentry scored two of the Lady Tigers’ three runs in the loss. Gentry had two hits, including a triple. Madison York also had two hits, including a double. York, Katelyn Kirkpatrick and Olivia Higginbotham all scored an RBI apiece.
Gentry opened the game with a triple then came home on a bunt single by Higginbotham. Gentry scored again in the third when Kirkpatrick singled, and Higginbotham scored on the double by York.
Olivia Skinner took the loss in the circle with four runs allowed, two of those earned, three hits, and one walk. Maddie Sowell and Kate Johnson also pitched for Hernando in the contest.
Despite the sour taste of losing a state championship, the Lady Tigers can be proud of a North Half Championship and the team loses only one senior. That player was Ally Agner, who didn’t play due to an injury suffered before the season started.
Coverage of Hernando softball at the 7A state championship is sponsored with the support of Windy City Grille in Hernando.
