YOUTH SOFTBALL: South Hardin punches ticket to State (07/09)

The News-Enterprise ALBANY — After outscoring their opponents, 95-7 in five games at the District 5 Little League Softball Tournament, the South Hardin 9-10-year-old all-stars have punched a ticket to State. No team seemed able to pose a challenge to South Hardin over the first four days of the tournament and Tuesday’s final was no different, as South Hardin pounded Marion County, 18-2 in four innings. Kaytie Sullivan dominated from inside the pitcher’s circle, posting a no-hitter, while striking out 10 in four innings. Sullivan also helped her own cause at the plate, where she belted two home runs and a pair of singles. Mariah Bryant added a triple, a double and two singles, while Samantha Bell hit a triple and three singles. Bridgett Conder recorded a triple and a single, Emily Brown and Lauren Christman each had two singles, and Brittany Branger, Hadley Handel and Emily Ferguson each had a single. South Hardin began its run on Friday with a 32-3 win over host Albany in pool play, which it rounded out with wins over Burkesville (13-0) and Adair County (21-0) on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. In Monday’s semifinal, South Hardin beat Russell County, 11-2. The team, which is in search of a sponsor to help with expenses for its trip to State, now travels to Flatwoods where they will begin play in the state tournament on Saturday.