UNION – The Loyd Star Lady Hornets captured a 3-1 victory over the Union Lady Yellowjackets Monday night in game one of the best of three series of the Class 2A state softball playoffs.

The Lady Hornets (22-3) are scheduled to host the Union Lady Yellowjackets Tuesday for game two and game three, if necessary, at Jan Smith Delaughter Field. Game time is set for a 5 p.m., if weather permits.

Loyd Star 3, Union 1 

In game one of the best of three series, the Union Lady Yellowjackets started off quickly and jumped in the Lady Hornets to take an early 1-0 in the first inning of action on a solo home run by Averi Pender, but Loyd Star’s defense responded by turning up the heat on the Lady Yellowjackets and held Union scoreless throughout the rest of the game.

The Lady Hornets managed to put their first points on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth inning. Johnna Norman hit RBI single in the inning to help her team secure a 2-1 advantage.

Loyd Star added another run in the top of the fifth inning to increase their lead to 3-1 as Brooks Rushing provided a triple to led things off.

Mackenzie Smith’s eight strikeouts was enough to push the Lady Hornets past Union for the win. She allowed only one earned run on four hits and gave up only one walk in a seven inning contest.

Anna Rigdon was charged with the loss for Union. She allowed three runs on six hits with one strikeout and one walk.

Rushing was the offensive leader at the plate for Loyd Star with a triple. Norman contributed two singles. Madison Jones, Ali Gartman and Megan Norton hit safely.

Pender was the top slugger for Union’s offense with a home run and a single. Mackenzie Dolan and Baleigh Mitchell provided a single each.