The Loyd Star Lady Hornets secured big 2-0 victory over the West Lincoln Lady Bears in Region 7-2A fastpitch softball action Tuesday night at West Lincoln.

“Mackenzie Smith pitched a great game for us,” said Loyd Star coach Jan Delaughter. “The girls really stepped up and played solid on defense. Offensively, we managed to get the crucial hits when we needed them.”

The Lady Hornets (4-2, 1-0) resume district action Thursday as they return home to host the Bassfield Lady Yellowjackets. Junior varsity action begins at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity contest at 6:15 p.m.

The Lady Bears (1-3, 0-1) will also be in district action Thursday as they visit their Lincoln County/Region rivals, the Enterprise Lady Jackets. Junior varsity action starts at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity game at 6:15 p.m.

Loyd Star 2, West Lincoln 0

The Lady Hornets and the Lady Bears provided an exciting defensive ball game for their softball fans. Loyd Star managed to get on the scoreboard first in the top of the first inning as they push across one run to take a 1-0 lead.

The Lady Hornets would add another run in the top of the third inning to increase their lead to 2-0.

Throughout the rest of the contest, West Lincoln and Loyd Star fought hard in a tough defensive battle. Both teams threaten on several occasions to score runs, but strong defensive pressure denied the attempts.

Mackenzie Smith was the winning pitcher for the Lady Hornets with three strikeouts and one walk.

Micah Redd suffered the setback for the Lady Bears with five strikeouts and six walks. Malori Hall (4K, 1BB) also saw some action in relief.

Ali Gartman powered Loyd Star’s offense with a double. Abigail Thornton, Mackenzie Smith, Raigan Smith and Kelsie McCullough hit safely.

Micah Redd, Malori Hall, Layton Sills and Addie Spring were the top hitters for the Lady Bears with a single each.

“Both teams played really well defensively,” said West Lincoln coach Andrew Redd. “We just could not get the hits when we needed them. We have got to find a way to generate runs when we runners on base.”

In JV action,  The West Lincoln Lady Bears blanked the Loyd Star Lady Hornets 9-0.

McKenzie Pyles tossed the win for West Lincoln with one strikeout and two walks.

Ally Floyd absorbed the setback on the mound for Loyd Star with no strikeouts and two walks. Johnna Norman (0K, 4BB) pitched in relief. Floyd provided the only hit on offense for the Lady Hornets.

The Lady Bears were lead at the plate by Anna Brook Davis, Sarah Jane Doty, Jana Case and Megan Gerald with a single each.