Lady Rockets advance to North State finals

The Neshoba Central Lady Rockets swept Lafayette County this past week and have advanced to the North State Class 5A finals against Saltillo in fast-pitch softball action.

This is the third year in a row the two teams have met in the playoffs. Last year’s series went three games.

“They have the same pitcher and runs are going to be at a premium,” Lady Rockets coach Zach Sanders said. “They have beaten some really good teams. This never gets old. From the first day of practice, we are working to win the last game.”

Neshoba Central defeated Lafayette 4-1 in the first game and 8-1 in game two.

The Lady Rockets are seeking their 10th straight fast-pitch state championship. They enter the series with a 24-3 record. Saltillo stands at 17-6.

Neshoba Central will  host the first game Thursday starting at 6 p.m. The second game will be played at Saltillo on Friday. If a third game is needed, it will be played Saturday at Neshoba Central.

Lanayah Henry struck out a season high 13 batters while leading the Lady Rockets past Lafayette 4-1 in game one.

The Lady Rockets scored one in the first and three in the third while Lafayette scored its run in the third.

Miley Thomas had  one hit and scored one run. Henry had one hit, Chloe Thompson had one hit and Charmayne Morris scored two runs.

Henry limited Lafayette to four hits and helped  her cause with a home run as the Lady Rockets won game two 8-1.

Neshoba Central scored one in the first, one in the fifth, five in the sixth and one in the seventh. Lafayette’s run came in the fifth inning.

Thomas had two hits, scored two runs and knocked in a run. Morris had two hits, scored two runs and brought in two runs. Kylie Posey had two hits, knocked in two RBIs and scored a run. Xiomara Fireplace had one hit and scored two runs.            

The Neshoba Central Lady Rockets swept New Hope  12-2 and 10-0 in the second round of the playoffs.

In the first game, Lanayah Henry pitched a no hitter. The Lady Rockets had 11 hits, led by Charmayne Morris with a double and a single. Henry had a double and two singles. Sa’Nya Jackson hit a double and Chloe Thompson hit a single and scored three runs.

Morris hit a home run, a double and a single to lead the second win. Henry was the winning pitcher. She hit two triples to lead the Lady Rockets while Miley Thomas hit a double and a single and scored four runs.