DAILY LEADER / MARTY ALBRIGHT / Jada Henderson provides a big hit for Ole Brook to put her Lady Panthers ahead in the sixth inning in softball action.

The Brookhaven Lady Panthers secured a big win in Game One of the first round of the Class 5A softball state playoffs Thursday.

Ole Brook rallied back in the bottom of the sixth inning with a seven run blast to claim a 9-6 win over the Pascagoula Lady Panthers.

“I am extremely proud of the girls,” said BHS coach Chad Walker. “They played one of their best games today and did a great job fighting back to get the win. Now, we must regroup and get ready for another battle tomorrow.”

Brookhaven (8-18) continues action today as they travel to Pascagoula for Game Two and Three, if needed, in the battle of Lady Panthers. Game time is set to start at 5 p.m.

On a sad note, Brookhaven coach Chad Walker announced that he was resigning from his head coach softball duties at the end of the season to spend more time with his family.

Brookhaven 9, Pascagoula 6 

The Lady Panthers of both Ole Brook and Pascagoula battled in a tough contest as Brookhaven seized a 2-1 lead after four innings of action.

Pascagoula reclaimed the lead in the top of the fifth inning with a four run push to take a 5-2 lead.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Lincoln County-based Lady Panthers refused to give up and worked hard to rally back as they loaded the bases with one out. Jada Henderson came through with a huge clutch hit to put Ole Brook ahead 6-5 with a bases clearing single.

Ole Brook continued to increase their lead as they added three more runs to secure a 9-5 lead.

In the top of the seventh inning, Pascagoula tried to answer Ole Brook’s challenge but scored only one run.

Katherine Shell pitched the win for Brookhaven with four strikeouts and four walks.

Kaleigh Caravello suffered the loss for Pascagoula with three strikeouts and four walks.

Katie Grace Culpepper was the offensive leader for Ole Brook with a triple and a single. Shell contributed a double. Hitting safely were Tia Bussey, Jada Henderson, Alycen Speaks and Fallon Brooks.

Hannah Hembree was the top hitter for Pascagoula with two singles. Nykeria Birins had a double. Carlie Vice, Kaleya Lillis and Caravello hit safely.