The LaSalle Lady Tigers #4 fell short of a return trip to Sulphur last Friday, April 19, with a 15-10 loss to French Settlement #5. The visiting Lions did not waste any time getting on the scoreboard, as they laced several hits in the top of the first inning, putting four runs on the board.
LaSalle would answer back with a run of their own in the bottom of the first inning, but that would be all the offense they could muster until the fourth inning.
French Settlement would tack on more runs spread out over several innings, but things would really start looking up for LaSalle as they loaded the bases and pounded out five hits in the fourth inning to close the gap 8-6.
The offensive onslaught for French Settlement would continue and these ladies were relentless at the plate. French Settlement collected five solo homeruns in this contest. These girls hit the softball as hard as I’ve ever seen it hit. Every hit was just out of the reach of a LaSalle defender.
LaSalle would never quit, as they pounded out 14 hits themselves and 10 runs. Allie Murphrey would lead the Lady Tigers at the plate with two doubles and a homerun of her own. They just couldn’t keep pace with the visiting Lady Lions. French Settlement would go on to win this contest 15-10 over LaSalle to advance to face Logansport in Sulphur on Friday.
LaSalle will rebound from this loss and be hungry for a return trip to Sulphur, as they have become a staple in the fastpitch 56 tournament. This will be the second season in a row that LaSalle will be at home on Championship weekend in Sulphur. Never fear though, LaSalle will continue to reload after graduation and be ready to compete at the highest level in the state once again next season. The Lady Tigers will lose three fulltime starters to graduation as Kenzie Nino, Kaylin Peppers and Hayleigh Boyd will be missed.
When you see these Lady Tigers and coaches around be sure to tell them how proud you are that they represented LHS and Olla with class. Thanks for all your support this past season and until football season, I hope to see you at the games.
Photos from the games against DeQuincy and French Settlement: