Messenger file photo by Chris McCarthy
By Chris McCarthy, Publisher/Editor
For the second complete season in a row, the Sardis High softball team will compete for a state championship.
The Lady Lions defeated Moody, 7-3, in the game that determined second place in the Class 5A East Central Regional Tournament in Montgomery. Sardis opens the state tournament this Tuesday (May 19) against Satsuma at Choccolocco Park in Oxford.
Sardis opened the regional tournament last Wednesday (May 12) with a 6-5 victory in 11 innings over Moody, followed later in the day with a 5-3 win over Shelby County.
Against Moody, Harlee Vincent had four hits, including the walk-off home run for the win, while Lily Towns had three. Vincent also had an RBI. Winning pitcher Kayden Tarvin (pictured above) went the distance for the Lady Lions, striking out five in 11 innings.
Against Shelby County, Vincent had two hits and two RBI. Winning pitcher Maddie Harris allowed six hits and struck out three in seven innings.
Sardis met Alexandria in the tournament championship game of the Class 5A East Central Regional Tournament last Thursday (May 13). The Lady Valley Cubs posted a 9-2 victory. Vincent had a pair of hits in the game.
The Lady Lions rebounded from the above setback in fine fashion with their four-run win over Moody. While Harris and Tarvin limited the Lady Blue Devils to three hits over seven innings, Vincent contributed a three-run home run. Jalyn Hannah chipped in a pair of hits.
“I’m extremely proud of the girls and how they responded after losing to Alexandria,” said Sardis head coach Richey Lee. “They kept their composure and were able to play Moody the way they were capable. Our pitching, defense and hitting have been great, giving us a really good chance to win. Next week won’t be any different; we’re going to have to come ready to play and compete. The best eight teams in the state have earned this right, so we’re ready to see what we can do.”
Ron Balaskovitz of the Sand Mountain Reporter contributed to this article.