The Loyd Star Lady Hornets took care of business in the opening round of the MHSAA Class 2A State Softball Playoffs. They whipped Scott Central’s Lady Rebels 14-4 Friday on the road and 15-5 Saturday at Loyd Star, in sweeping the best-of-three series.

“We were happy to win,” said Loyd Star coach Jan Delaughter. “We hit the ball well the last two games.”

Loyd Star improved to 16-12 on the season. The Lady Hornets host Enterprise-Clarke Friday night on Jan Smith Delaughter Field. They play at Enterprise-Clarke on Saturday.

L. Star 14, S. Central 4

At the plate, Loyd Star shortstop Abigail Thornton hit 2 doubles. Alli Gartman homered. Two singles were collected by Raigan Smith, Julie Smith, Lexie Butler and Hannah Smith. Madison Jones doubled. Collecting a single were Haley Smith and Anna Grace Cupit.

Freshman Kelsie McCullough pitched the 7-inning victory. She struck out 2 batters , walked 2 and allowed 9 hits.

Loyd Star 15, S. Central 5

Eighth grader Mackenzie Smith pitched Saturday’s win at Loyd Star. She gave up 5 hits, struck out 4 and walked 1 in the abbreviated 5-inning game.

Loyd Star finished with 15 hits. Madison Jones homered. Thornton singled twice and doubled as the Lady Hornets plated 8, third-inning runs. Raigan Smith doubled and singled. Julie Smith doubled. Hannah Smith singled and doubled. Lexie Butler singled twice. With a single apiece were Gartman, Haley Smith and Cupit.