Kosciusko is hoping the third, fourth and possibly fifth times are the charm against West Lauderdale in the 4A softball playoffs.
The Lady Whippets came out on the short end of two regular season games, 10-7 and 2-0. The inability to come up with a big hit in clutch situations was the story of those games. Kosciusko left nine runners stranded in the 10-7 game and 12 in the 2-0 loss.
“It's timely hitting,” said Coach Tony Terry. “We didn't get the timely hits and didn't finish. When you have opportunities, you have to take advantage of them.”
It will be the second series in a row against a Region 4-4A opponent. Kosciusko advanced with 9-4 and 9-3 victories over Choctaw Central.
The Lady Whippets led the first game 5-4 before scoring four runs in the seventh. It was timely hitting that got the job done.
“We had a leadoff single. Then we had good fundamental softball. We got the bunt down,” Terry said. “Then we got four or five straight hits with two outs.”
Mary Kimble Price had three hits and four RBIs, Emma Rush a single and a double and K.C. Schuler had a double, walked twice, and drove in two runs.
Emmagail Kelley allowed five hits.
Kelly Hood led a 10-hit attack in the second game with a single, double and home run. Schuler had a homer and a single, and Campbell Blaine and Gracie Williams both singled and doubled.
Neera Bell had two singles, a double and two RBIs for Choctaw Central.
Price allowed seven hits and fanned four, with one bad inning. Choctaw Central scored all three runs in the fifth to pull within two, but Kosciusko responded with four in the bottom of the inning.
West Lauderdale advanced in three games against Mooreville, with 5-1 and 3-0 victories sandwiched around a 1-0 loss. Breelyn Cain pitched all three games for West Lauderdale, allowing 12 hits, with 20 strikeouts in 21innings. She was the winning pitcher in both games against Kosciusko.
“They have a really good team with one of the best pitchers in Mississippi.” Terry said.
The matchup with West Lauderdale is the North State final, with the winner qualifying for the championship series at the University of Southern Mississippi, beginning May 13.
“I am extremely proud of this bunch,” Terry said. “This will be the sixth year in a row that we will play Jeff Parks / The Star-Herald
Kosciusko leadoff hitter Kelly Hood drives a pitch over the left field fence for a solo homerun. the 4A North State championship series. That is quite the accomplishment for these young ladies. It is a testament to their hard work, resilience and competitive spirit.”
