MONTICELLO – The Lawrence County Lady Cougars swept the Florence Lady Eagles in two straight games of the best of three series to win the first round of the Class 4A softball state playoffs.

The Lady Cougars defeated the Lady Eagles 2-1 in Florence for game one Thursday night and won game two over Florence 6-4 in Monticello Friday night.

Lawrence County (23-5), coached by Meleah Howard, will host the second round of the playoffs against Pass Christian Monday, starting at 5 p.m. Games two and three, if needed, will be at Pass Christian Tuesday, starting at 5 p.m.

Lawrence Co. 2, Florence 1 

In the game one, the Lady Cougars and the Lady Eagles battled in defensive scoreless contest throughout the whole seven innings of action to force extra innings.

In the top of the eighth inning, the Lady Cougars managed to rattle the Lady Eagles defense and scored two runs to grab a 2-0 lead as Josey Nations led the charge with a RBI single to score Lexie Johnson.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Florence scored their only run off of an error.

Elizabeth Smith kept Florence off the scoreboard for all eight innings while she was on the rubber. Smith collected the shutout, allowing no opposing players to cross the plate on three hits while ringing up six batters and giving up two walks.

Callie Fortenberry was the top hitter for the Lady Cougars at the plate with two singles. Alexsundria Thomas and Josey Nations hit a single each.

Lawrence Co. 6, Florence 4 

In game two, the Lady Cougars started the first inning hot. they secured an early 2-0 lead, before Florence rallied back with a four-run surge to take a 4-2 lead in the top of the second inning.

Lawrence County regained their composure in the bottom of the third inning and plated three runs to reclaim the lead at 5-4 and added another run in the bottom of the fifth inning to extend their lead to 6-4 to collect the sweep.

Jordan Harp was the winning pitcher for the Lady Cougars as she held Florence scoreless for five and two-thirds innings. Harp struck out one and allowed no walks and two hits. Elizabeth Smith (0K, 3BB) started for Lawrence County.

Jamie Martin powered the Lady Cougars attack at the plate with a double and a single. Madison Hyde provided a pair of singles. Josey Nations contributed a triple. Alexsundria Thomas, Tiera Collins, Jordan Harp and Elizabeth Smith hit safely.