The Loyd Star Lady Hornets handed the Brookhaven Lady Panthers their first lost of the season Friday night at the Ole Brook softball complex. The Lady Hornets ended up defeating the Lady Panthers 7-4.

“Mackenzie Smith pitched a great game for us,” said Loyd Star coach Jan Delaughter. “The girls did a good job coming up with some crucial hits, when we needed them to help us win the game.”

The Lady Hornets (10-2, 3-0) resume action Tuesday as they host the East Marion Lady Eagles for a varsity doubleheader. Action begins at 5 p.m.

Brookhaven (11-1, 2-0) is schedule to be in action Monday as they travel to Enterprise to battle the Lady Jackets. Junior varsity action starts at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity game at 6:15 p.m.

Loyd Star 7, Brookhaven 4 

The Lady Hornet and the Lady Panthers battled in a scoreless contest until the fifth inning, when Loyd Star managed to capitalize on a few of Brookhaven’s miscues to secure a 5-0 lead.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Lady Panther battled back and scored three runs on Loyd Star to cut down the Lady Hornets’ lead to 5-3.

In the top of the sixth inning, Loyd Star would two runs to their score to lead 7-3. In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Lady Panthers would threatened to capture the lead from Loyd Star, but managed to score only one run as Loyd Star held on for the win.

Mackenzie Smith was the winning pitcher for the Lady Hornets with 12 strikeouts and three walks.

Katherine Shell absorbed the setback in the pitching circle for the Lady Panthers with one strikeout and two walks.

Abagail Thornton, Brooks Rushing and Raigan Smith powered the Lady Hornets at the plate with a pair of singles apiece. Kelsie McCullough had a double. Hitting safely were Julie Smith, Madison Jones, Ali Gartman and Mackenzie Smith/

Shell was the top hitter for the Lady Panthers’ offense with a double and two singles. Fallon Brook ripped a double. Tia Bussey, Jada Henderson, Kat Wallace and Haley Speaks hit a single each.

“This was a good game and great learning experience,” said Brookhaven coach Mandy Vinson. “Haley Speak did a good job for us behind the plate. Overall, the girls played hard, but we need to hit the ball better. We cannot leave 10 runners on base and have 12 strikeouts and expect to win games.”

In junior varsity action,  Loyd Star defeated Brookhaven 11-2.

Ali Gartman (5, 1BB), Kelsie McCullough (3K, 0BB) and Aly Floyd (0K, 0BB) combined together to collect the win on the mound for Loyd Star.

Madison Thompson (3K, 2BB) suffered the setback for Ole Brook. Rileigh Allen (1K, 1BB) also saw some action in relief.

Johnna Norman was the top hitter for the Lady Hornets with two singles. Aly Floyd and Kaylea Smith had a double each. Hitting safely were Lesley Walker, Meagan Poole, and Carley Beth Wallace.

Shaniya Jackson paced the Lady Panthers at the plate with two singles. Jadeyn Fuller and Cheyenne Motley hit a single each.