MCCOMB — The Cathedral softball team didn’t have much time to celebrate its MHSAA Region 7-1A championship after rallying to defeat Bogue Chitto on the road Thursday afternoon.

Cathedral, which is ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 1A in one statewide poll, was right back on the road Friday afternoon against McComb, ranked No. 8 in Class 5A in that same poll.

Ginny Daggett, who came through for Cathedral with her grand slam against Bogue Chitto, pitched a complete-game gem while McKenzie Milligan scored a run and brought in a run as the Lady Green Wave took a 2-0 win over the Lady Tigers.

Daggett allowed just one hit, struck out seven and walked three batters. And the defense behind her committed just one error and made some key catches that kept the shutout intact.

“She did a fantastic job. She kept them off balance,” Cathedral head coach Gary Blackwell said about Daggett. “They’re a 5A school and they’re at the top of their (region).

Blackwell also said the game was a pitchers’ duel between Daggett and McComb’s Kamry Creel. Just like Daggett, Creel went the distance and gave up two runs on five hits.

“They had a good pitcher. We were fortunate to get a few hits and score a couple of runs,” Blackwell said.

The Lady Green Wave scored its first run of the game in the top of the first inning. Milligan, who went 2-for-4, singled and stole second base before Beth Fortenbery doubled to bring in Milligan. Then in the top of the fifth inning, MacKenzie Watts reached base safely and eventually went to third base before Milligan brought her in on an RBI groundout.

“We were a little physically and mentally tired today. But they pulled together and played together as a team,” Blackwell said. “We made some fantastic plays to keep them off the scoreboard.”

Cathedral (15-4-1) was scheduled to host Vicksburg next Tuesday, but that has been canceled. Blackwell said his team will hope to have an opponent next Thursday because the Lady Green Wave doesn’t play until the first round of the MHSAA Class 1A South State Playoffs on April 27-28.

Franklin County 10, West Marion 5

MEADVILLE — Franklin County got an outstanding performance on the mound from Lay Lay Griffin and plenty of offense to offset six errors as the Lady Bulldogs defeated the West Marion Lady Trojans Friday night in MHSAA Region 7-3A action.

KeKe Collins and Kiarra Sykes went 2-for-3 with a double and Courtney Hauer was 2-for-4 with a double. As a team, Franklin County finished with 15 hits. West Marion was led by Lori Robertson, who went 2-for-4.

Franklin County (8-9-1, 5-2) hosts Prentiss for a varsity doubleheader next Monday at 5:30 and 7 p.m.

Brandon dominates Natchez High in varsity doubleheader

BRANDON — The Brandon Lady Bulldogs made short work of the Natchez High Lady Bulldogs in an MHSAA Region 6-6A varsity twin-bill, taking Game 1 17-0 in three innings before winning Game 2 17-2 in four innings.

Natchez High fell to 2-11 overall and finished region play with an 0-4 record. Even though Natchez High did not win a single play in Region 6-6A, it still advanced to the postseason because only two other teams in its region participated in fast-pitch softball this spring — Brandon and Terry. Forest Hill did not field a team.

Next up for the Lady Bulldogs is the play-in round of the MHSAA Class 6A South State Playoffs as the No. 3 seed out of Region 6-6A. They will take on the No. 2 seed from Region 7-6A on April 20 or 21.