Lady Hornets swarm Elysian Fields, advance to regional quarterfinal

LONGVIEW, Texas—The Hooks Hornets understand their strength is in numbers.

Hooks run-ruled Elysian Fields to take the Class 3A area title at LeTourneau University in Longview, 12-1.

“That’s one thing we talked about heading into this series, was being able to score early,” Hooks head softball coach Neal Kiser said. “Batting first, we wanted to come out and make a statement. Normally, our big innings are the third, fourth and fifth. They did exactly what they we’re supposed to do. They brought in another pitcher in the first and we didn’t miss a beat.”

The Lady Hornets stung the Lady Jackets in the opening inning.

Hooks pitcher Marena Estell drove in Kenley Kyles for the game’s first run.

Estell went five innings, struck out eight batters and gave up one hit for the Lady Hornets in the circle. Estell also went 3 for 4 at the dish with two singles, a double and four RBI.

“Marena is a true competitor,” Kiser said. “She’s done this her whole life, so this moment isn’t too big for her. You can’t ask for a better lady to be in the circle, she definitely pushed through it.”

Lexi Frachiseur drove in Emma Farquhar with a sacrifice fly to right field and Sydney Pardue drove in Estell, to give Hooks the early edge.

Frachiseur finished her day at the plate going 1 for 3, adding two RBI and Kyles ended the rout with

four singles, while also scoring four runs for the Lady Hornets.

Elysian Fields answered back at the bottom of the first, Bri Chandler doubled off the wall, driving in their first score.

The Lady Hornets continued to chip away in their following at-bat.

Farquhar drove in Kyles and Frachiseur drove in Farquhar, both off infield singles to the corners.

Hooks continued to pour in runs during the middle innings.

Madison Whisenhunt and Kyles, both drove in one run apiece, while Estell slapped a two-run double to give the Lady Hornets a 9-1 lead.

As the conditions grew warmer, Estell showed no sign of fatigue. Estell did not allow a base runner from the second through the fourth/ fifth inning.

Kyles added to the Lady Hornets commanding lead at the top of the fifth inning, stealing home plate on a wild pitch.

Estell added to the rout, driving in a run giving the Lady Hornets a double-digit lead.

“We took a big blow when Abby (Russ) got hurt at the beginning of the game,” Kiser said. “Russ is not only a great catch but she is also a good bat we have in our lineup. Luckily, we have Sydney Pardue, who’s a catcher also and we didn’t miss a beat with her.

The Lady Hornets will face Hughes Springs in the regional quarterfinals.