The Loyd Star Lady Hornets survived a defensive pitchers duel to prevail 3-0 over the Enterprise Lady Jackets Thursday night to clinch their second straight Region 7-2A crown in fastpitch softball action at Jan Smith Delaughter Field.

“I am very proud of the girls for finishing undefeated in Region action,” said Loyd Star coach Jan Delaughter. “Both pitchers pitched a great game. I am proud for Mackenzie Smith for earning her fourth shutout win of the season.”

The Lady Hornets (15-2, 8-0) will host their annual softball tournament today and tomorrow, if weather permits. In today’s contest, Bogue Chitto battles Lawrence County at 4 p.m. and the Lady Jackets (5-10, 4-4) will face Franklin County at 5:45 p.m.

In Saturday’s matchups, BC faces Enterprise at 10 a.m., LCHS vs. Natchez Cathedral at 11:45 a.m., Franklin County faces Loyd Star at 1:30 p.m., BHS battles LCHS at 3:15, Cathedral takes on Loyd Star at 5 p.m. and in the finale Franklin County vs. Brookhaven at 6:45 p.m.

If weather cancels Friday’s games then the schedule will be reformatted: BC vs. Enterprise at 9:30 a.m., BC vs. LCHS at 10:55 a.m., Franklin Co. vs. Enterprise at 12:20 p.m., LCHS vs. Cathedral at 1:45 p.m., Loyd Star vs. FCHS at 3:10 p.m., BHS vs. LCHS at 4:35 p.m., Cathedral vs. Loyd Star at 6 p.m. and FCHS vs. BHS at 7:25 p.m.

Loyd Star 3, Enterprise 0 

Loyd Star and Enterprise softball fans gathered and witnessed a great defensive pitchers duel as both teams remained scoreless after one inning of action.

In the bottom of the second inning, the Lady Hornets managed to break up the scoreless contest as they pushed across two runs to grab a 2-0 lead and added another run in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Throughout the rest of the game, both teams provided an exciting defensive contest as Loyd Star outhit Enterprise 2-1.

Mackenzie Smith was the winning pitcher for the Lady Hornets, collecting her fourth shutout win of the season with four strikeouts and one walk.

Haley Nations suffered the setback in the pitching circle for the Lady Jackets with three strikeouts and three walks.

Brooks Rushing and Ali Gartman were the top hitters at the plate for Loyd Star with a single apiece.

Carlee Nations paced the Lady Jackets’ offense with a single.

“We did not play as well as we could have and have done previous games,” said Enterprise coach Charissa Burke. “Both pitchers pitched an outstanding game. Overall, I was pleased with my girls’ efforts. We will continue to work hard to improve as we prepare for next week.”

In junior varsity action,  Loyd Star defeated Enterprise 4-1.

With the combine pitching effort of Kelsie McCullough (2K, 0BB), Ali Gartman (1K, 0BB) and Aly Floyd (2K, 0BB), the Lady Hornets secure the win.

Lynsey Nations absorbed the setback in the circle for the Lady Jackets with no strikeouts and no walks. Kristen Walker (1K, 1BB) also pitched in relief.

Meagan Poole, Carly Beth Wallace and Walker provided a single each for Loyd Star.

Morgan Smith and Walker lead Enterprise’s offensive with a single apiece.