BOGUE CHITTO — Jessica Halterman struck out 7 batters, walked 1and scattered 7 hits, leading the East Webster Lady Wolverines to a7-1 Monday victory against Bogue Chitto’s Lady ‘Cats in the SouthState Class 1A fastpitch softball championship. East Webster (28-4)advances to the state title game against Smithville, the NorthState champion.

Bogue Chitto (20-9), which won the opener at Maben last week,saw East Webster pull out a 3-2 Saturday win before rain postponedthe final game at Bogue Chitto’s field until yesterday.

“We were able to get some timely hits with runners on base,”said East Webster coach Bill Brand. “Our defense played great.

“Bogue Chitto has a good team and I enjoyed playing againstthem,” continued Brand.

Brand’s team took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning andled 7-0 in the fourth. His team didn’t commit an error in thedecisive game.

Offensively, Iyeshia Thomas had 3 hits for the Wolverines.Swayze Hollenhead and Halterman each had 2 hits.

“It’s tough being the end of the season but we have had a greatyear,” said Bogue Chitto coach Scott Leggett. “I’m proud of mygirls and they accomplished a lot this year. I will miss myseniors.”

Leggett’s slowpitch team won the state championship lastOctober.

“East Webster has a great team,” said Leggett.

Junior right-hander Kelli Howard absorbed the loss. She gave up9 hits, fanned 2 and walked 3.

Shaquille Burton had 2 hits for the Lady ‘Cats. They scoredtheir only run in the bottom of the sixth.