Lady Lions finish out conf. play to get set for regionals
BISMARCK — The Bismarck Lady Lions split their previous conference match-ups on the diamond but have secured the third sport for postseason tournament competition in the 3A-4 Region softball tourney hosted in Ashdown.
In back-to-back battles on the diamond, the Lady Lions topped Prescott 7-1 at home last Thursday, but fell short on the road Friday to Fouke 6-5 in a turn around performance in conference play.
CONFERENCE SOFTBALL COMPETITION Bismarck Lady Lions 7 Prescott Lady Wolves 1
To conclude their league series match-up, the Lady Lions swept wins against Prescott on their home field for a roaring night of victory on the diamond. Bismarck sparked for seven runs on five hits while Prescott managed one run on six hits with three errors. Alivia Gordon (double) led Bismarck’s offensive execution and hammered two hits in the frame. Avery Efird, Hannah Collie, and Audrey Kizziar each tallied a hit apiece. Ellie Norris drove in two runs for two RBIS, Efird, Gordon, Cada Collins, and Anna Cain each drove in a run for an RBI. Kizziar sparked the scoring attack and scored two runs, Efird, Gordon, Collie, Collins and Faith Billings each soared for a run. Efird led the base running with one stolen base.
In the pitcher’s circle, Collie earned the victory and pitched a complete game. Collie allowed six hits, one earned run and struck out three batters and threw 54 strikes across the plate.
Bismarck Lady Lions 5 Fouke Lady Panthers 6
On the road for a Friday night showdown on the diamond, the Lady Lions were edged by one run against Fouke 6-5 in a seven inning battle. The Lady Lions sparked early and held a 5-0 lead through the top of the seventh inning. But, a surprising rally by Fouke in the bottom of the seventh inning saw the Lady Panthers score six runs to secure the home victory on eight hits in the frame. Leading Bismarck’s offensive execution in the frame was Efird, Collie, Collins (double), Kizziar, and Cain all racking up a key hit at the plate.
Kizziar drove in two runs for two RBIS, Efird and Cain both tallied an RBI apiece. Collins sparked the scoring attack and scored two runs, Efird, Collie and Cain each scored a run.
In the pitcher’s circle, Kizziar provided the spark and pitched six and two-third innings allowing eight hits, six earned runs and struck out three batters and threw 58 strikes while facing 29 batters.
UP NEXT
The Lady Lions are now ready to make some noise in the region softball tournament hosted in Ashdown. Bismarck will take on Rison in their opening round contest Thursday for the qualifying game to complete in the Class 3A state softball tournament. The 3A-4 Region Softball tournament is scheduled May 5-7 in Ashdown.