DAILY LEADER / MARTY ALBRIGHT / Loyd Star’s first baseman Ali Gartman stretches for the catch as West Lincoln’s runner Peyton White reaches safely Monday in the Lincoln County softball tournament at Bogue Chitto.

BOGUE CHITTO – The Loyd Star Lady Hornets survived a tough test Monday as they knocked off the West Lincoln Lady Bears 8-7 in the Lincoln County Softball Tournament at Bogue Chitto.

“This was a tough game for both teams,” said Loyd Star coach Jan Delaughter. “I am really proud of my girls. They fought hard to stay in the game by keeping their composure when they were down and kept hitting away.”

Loyd Star (3-1) will be in action today in day two of the Lincoln County tournament as they take on the Bogue Chitto Lady Cats at 7 p.m.

West Lincoln (2-2) will also be in action today as they battle the Enterprise Lady Yellow Jackets at 5 p.m. at BC.

Loyd Star 8, West Lincoln 7 

The Lady Hornets came out strong and took a commanding 5-0 lead in two innings of action, before West Lincoln rallied to trim into Loyd Star’s lead by pushing across two runs in the third inning.

The Lady Bears captured their first lead over the Lady Hornets in the top of the fifth inning to claim a 6-5 advantage. In the bottom of the fifth, Loyd Star answered West Lincoln’s challenge and reclaimed the lead with a three-run jolt to take a 8-6 lead into the sixth inning.

The Lady Bears would cut into Loyd Star’s lead in the top of the sixth inning by pushing across one run but failed to inch any closer as the Lady Hornets managed to protest their one-point lead to secure the win.

Makenzie Smith pitched the win for the Lady Hornets with four strikeouts and two walks.

Malori Hall suffered the setback for the Lady Bears with five strikeouts and four walks. Micah Redd (0K, 1BB) saw some action in relief.

Lexie Butler was the offensive leader for Loyd Star with a double and a single. Julie Smith contributed two singles. Ali Gartman ripped a double. Hitting safely were Raigan Smith, Abigail Thornton and Brooks Rushing.

Hanna Moak paced the Lady Bears at the plate with two doubles. Brianna Fauver and Alli Mullins provided a pair of singles. Peyton White, Malori Hall and Micah Redd all hit safely.

DAILY LEADER / MARTY ALBRIGHT / Loyd Star’s Julie hits a single against West Lincoln.