WESSON – The Wesson Lady Cobras defeated the Morton Lady Panthers Tuesday night in a best-of-three series in the first round of the Class 3A state playoffs.

The Lady Cobras hammered Morton 13-3 in the first game and won the second game 17-5 to secure the sweep.

“We hit really well tonight,” said Wesson softball coach Michelle Nunnery. “We need to get prepared for a really good Philadelphia team.”

The Lady Cobras will advance to the second round to play against the Lady Tornadoes in Philadelphia on Saturday.

Wesson 13, Morton 3 

In Game One, both teams scored two runs in the first inning, before the Lady Cobras managed to warm up offensively and put together a string of hits to outscore the Lady Panthers 11-1 to win the game in a six-inning contest.

Brooke Jones, Kaitlyn Smith and Katie Westbrook led the Lady Cobras at the plate as each hit home runs in the sixth inning. Jones also contributed a double and a single to direct Wesson’s offensive surge.

Cheyenne Gladden hit a double to end the game in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Harmoni Ashley was the Lady Cobras’ top defensive player with seven outs at first base. A’rie Douglas had five outs at second base.

For the Lady Panthers, Baley McCurdy was the top hitter with three singles. Brandy Watson was the leader on defense with four outs in right field.

Wesson 17, Morton 5 

In Game Two, the Lady Cobras dominated the Lady Panthers in the third inning with a 12-run surge after a slow scoreless start in the first two innings to collect the win in a five-inning contest.

Wesson continued to hit hard as Brooke Jones, Aurianna Vaughn, and Cheyenne Gladden hit home runs. Kaitlyn Smith contributed three singles and a double. Katie Westbrook also hit an inside-the-park home run.

Harmoni Ashley led the Lady Cobras’ defense with four outs at first base.

Vertreunna Harris and Ramiah Johnson were the top hitters for the Lady Panthers with a double and a single each. Harris led Morton’s defense with one assist and three outs at shortstop.