The Loyd Star Lady Hornets survived an eight inning defensive marathon against their Lincoln County/Region 7-2A rivals, the Enterprise Lady Jackets, Tuesday night to escape with a 2-1 victory at Enterprise.

Prior to opening pitch in the varsity game, the Lady Jackets wore blue glitter face paint and a blue ribbon in the hair to honor their assistant coach Chad Coon, whom was diagnosed with advance colon cancer earlier in the season.

“This was a good defensive game for both teams,” said Loyd Star coach Jan Delaughter. “Enterprise came ready to play and they did a good job outplaying us tonight. We were very fortunate to get the win.”

The Lady Hornets (9-2, 3-0) will visit McComb Thursday for a non-division contest against the McComb Lady Tigers. Junior varsity action starts at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity game at 6:15 p.m.

The Lady Jackets (3-6, 2-2) will also be traveling Thursday as they invade Bassfield to take on the Bassfield Lady Yellowjacket for a big Region 7-2A test. Junior varsity action begins at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity contest at 6:15 p.m.

Loyd Star 2, Enterprise 1 

The Lady Hornets and the Lady Jackets provided an exciting defensive contest for their softball fans as both teams fought hard from start to finish.

The Lady Jackets managed to strike first offensively in the bottom of the first inning to claim an early lead as they score one run, before the Lady Hornets could record the final out of the inning.

Enterprise relied their strong southpaw pitcher, Haley Nations, to keep Loyd Star off balance at the plate and scoreless in the first three innings of action.

In the top of the fourth inning, the Lady Hornets managed to get on the scoreboard to tie the game at 1-all and threatened to take the lead but Enterprise’s defense quickly close the door to keep the game tied.

Throughout the rest of the contest, both teams fought in a scoreless fifth, sixth and seventh innings,

In the top of the eighth inning, the Lady Hornets begin the inning with a runner on second base, due to the international rule, Loyd Star worked hard to advance the runner to third base and later scored on the single that was hit to left field to claim a 2-1 lead.

In the bottom of the eight inning, Enterprise begin the inning with a runner on second, but failed to advantage the runner home as Loyd Star recorded the final three outs.

Mackenzie Smith had a dominating performance in the pitching circle for the Lady Hornets to collect the thrilling win with two strikeouts and no walks.

Haley Nations also provided a strong pitching performance for Enterprise, but suffered the setback with nine strikeouts and one walk.

“Great game for both teams,” said Enterprise coach Charissa Burke. “Our girls really grew up tonight and battle until the very end. I am extremely proud of my girls’ efforts. Loyd Star has a very good, well-coached team. Hopefully, we learn from this experience and continued to get better.”

Brook Foster was the top hitter for the Lady Jackets with two singles. Jana Nations provided a double and Kinsey Dahlin hit a single.

Megan Norton and Julie Smith paced the Lady Hornets offense with two singles apiece. Madison Jones and Abagail Thornton hit safely.

In JV action, Enterprise edged Loyd Star 6-5.

Meagan Poole led Loyd Star’s offense with a double and a single. Katie West contributed a double. Hitting safely were Malori Cade, Lesley Walker, Marley Poole and Karley Beth Walker.

Belle Porter, Avery Burch and Kaylie Burgess directed the Lady Jackets’ offense with a single each.