Lady Rabbits finish as Region Runners-up

The Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits are the 2015 4A-East Region Tournament Runners-up after falling to Brookland in the finals of the tournament Tuesday. (Photo by Christy Hallum)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

POCAHONTAS — The Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits ran up against a buzz saw in the finals of the 4A East Region Tournament on Tuesday.

Lonoke managed only two hits while Brookland has 11 in a 6-0 loss to the Lady Bearcats in the regional final. The Lady Jackrabbits will be the second seed from the East in the Class 4A state tournament, which starts Thursday at Mena. Lonoke receives a first-round bye and will play the winner of Gravette and Nashville on Friday at 5:30 p.m. If Lonoke wins, the state semifinals are Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The championship game is May 22 at 3 p.m. at Bogle Park in Fayetteville.

In the regional final, Brookland led 2-0 after one inning. The Lady Bearcats scored single runs in the third and fifth innings then twice in the sixth.

Lonoke's best scoring chance came in the top of the first. The Lady Jackrabbits left the bases loaded. Charley Jo Chesney struck out but reached on a dropped third strike. Jasalyn Truelove followed with a walk. Two batters later, Amanda Sexton walked to load the bases with one out. The next two Lonoke hitters popped out to end the inning. 

Candace James and Valerie Staton had Lonoke's only base hits. Staton's game in the second while James singled in the seventh. 

"I'm extremely proud of these girls," Lonoke coach Laura Park said. 

Jackrabbits win regional baseball title

The Lonoke Jackrabbits are the 2015 4A-East Region Champions (Photos by Melissa Pool)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

POCAHONTAS — The Lonoke Jackrabbits are the 2015 4A East Region champions.

Lonoke (17-3) scored a run in the bottom of the seventh to beat Brookland 8-7 in the championship game of the regional tournament Tuesday afternoon. The Jackrabbits will open Class 4A state tournament play Friday at noon against the winner of Thursday's game between Prairie Grove and Arkadelphia. The Badgers are the two-time defending state champions.

Our kids just keep finding ways to win," Lonoke coach Darrick Lowery said. "It's been something different every ballgame. Someone has stepped up. It's definitely been a team effort with the dugout keeping us in ballgames and bouncing back after momentum-changing plays. They are doing a great job."

Lonoke led 7-6 heading into the top of the seventh. Brookland hit a leadoff homer to tie the game at 7-7. Things looked bleak in the bottom of the frame. 

With one out, designated hitter Conner Linton reached on an error and went to second on a passed ball. After a flyout by Savonte Rountree for the second out of the inning, Elijan Seigrist reached on an error, allowing Linton to score the game-winning run.

Lowery said winning the regional title is huge. Three years ago when the Jackrabbits made it to the state championship game, Lonoke finished third in the regional tournament. 

"It was great for us to play in the first round (in 2012) because I had never been there and our kids had not been there in a long time," Lowery said. "This year with these guys, I feel confident that we play with anybody in the state. It's big for us to have that bye and set up our pitching."

Brookland took a 2-0 lead in the top of the third inning. It was Lonoke's first deficit of the regional.

The Jackrabbits responded quickly with six runs in the bottom of the frame. Casey Martin hit a solo homer to lead off the inning. He also drove in two more runs with a single later in the frame. Also scoring in the third were Cody Martin, Nick Graves, Christian James, Todd Pool and Rountree. 

Brookland cut the deficit to 6-3 with a run in the fourth then tied it with three runs in the top of the fifth.

Lonoke reclaimed the lead with a run in the bottom of the fifth. Routhree singled and scored on a double by Casey Martin.

Casey Martin was 4-for-4 at the plate with four RBIs. Also collecting hits were Haven Hunter, Cody Martin, Graves, Rountree and Seigrist. 

Ethan Holland got the win on the mound in relief. He pitched 2 1/3 innings. He gave up one on earned run while striking out two. He allowed only one hit.

Hunter pitched 4 2/3 innings. He gave up five hits and six runs with only four of them earned. He struck out three.

One thing that was possibly going to disturb Lonoke's run to another state title game was graduation, which is slated for Friday night at 8 p.m. at James B. Abraham Stadium in Lonoke while the state tournament is being played in Blytheville.

Provided the weather doesn't cause any issues, the Lonoke seniors should be able to return to Lonoke in time for graduation and head back to Blytheville if the Jackrabbits are victorious.

"It was definitely a concern going in on what we would do about that," Lowery said, adding that parents have volunteered to get the senior players back to Lonoke then back to Blytheville for a semifinal game if they win.

"We'll get all the little details worked out for that and we'll be ready to go," Lowery said.

The 2015 Lonoke Jackrabbits senior players with the regional championship award.

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Lady Jackrabbits knock off Heber Springs, advance to regional final

Lonoke's Jasalyn Truelove stands on second base after getting a double against Heber Springs on Saturday. (Photo by Courtney McGowan)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

POCAHONTAS — The Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits will play for their first regional title since 2004 on Monday.

Lonoke scored two runs in the top of the seventh to beat Heber Springs 4-2 in the semifinals of the 4A-East Region Tournament on Saturday. The Lady Jackrabbits last won a regional title in 2004 — also the last time Lonoke played in the state tournament. 

Lonoke led most of the game, plating single runs in the first and fifth innings. Jasalyn Truelove doubled and scored in the first. Gracie Cole single and scored on a single by Charley Jo Chesney in the fifth.

Chesney kept Heber Springs in check until the bottom of the sixth when the Lady Panthers scored twice to tie the game at 2-2.

Lonoke reclaimed the lead in the top of the seventh. Candace James and Cole both walked to lead off the inning. Madison McFadden, running for James and Cole both scored on a triple by Truelove.

Chesney then retired the Lady Panthers in order in the bottom of the frame to seal the win. 

Both teams had five hits. Truelove led Lonoke with two hits. Also getting hits were Chesney, Jarrelyn McCall and Cole. 

Chesney did not allow a walk in seven innings of work. She struck out two in the win. Also, Lonoke did not commit an error.

The Lady Jackrabbits will play Brookland for the regional championship Monday at 2:30 p.m. They will play in the Class 4A state tournament Friday at Mena. They will receive a first-round bye no matter what happens Monday. 

Jackrabbits beat Pirates in 8 innings; advance to regional title game

Lonoke's Casey Martin scores a run against Little Rock Central last week. Martin scored two of Lonoke's three runs against Gosnell in the regional semifinals Saturday. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

POCAHONTAS — It took some extra work but the Lonoke Jackrabbits will play for a regional championship Monday.

Lonoke (16-3) scored a run in the bottom of the eighth as the Jackrabbits beat the Gosnell Pirates 3-2 in the semifinals of the Class 4A East Region tournament Saturday. 

With one out in the bottom of the eighth, Lonoke's Nick Graves was hit by a pitch. He went to second on a single by Christian James. Todd Pool then reached on a fielder's choice. James was retired at second base but Graves came around to score the game-winning run.

The game was scoreless until the bottom of the third. Casey Martin singled and went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Haven Hunter. Martin advanced to third on a balk and scored on a double by Graves.

Gosnell scored an unearned run in the top of the fifth to tie the game at 1-1.

Lonoke wasted no time in getting that run back as Casey Martin led off the bottom of the fifth with a solo homer. 

The Pirates tied the score at 2-2 with another unearned run in the top of the seventh.

Lonoke had numerous chances to score early in the game. The Jackrabbits left four runners in scoring position in the first three innings. 

The Jackrabbits also kept Gosnell in the game as they committed six errors. Both Gosnell runs were unearned.

Lonoke had eight hits in the win. Graves and Casey Martin had two hits each. Also getting hits were Hunter, Cody Martin, James and Pool.

Savonte Rountree pitched well despite getting a no-decision. He gave up four hits and one run in six innings of work. He struck out three. James got the win, pitching the seventh and eighth innings. He gave up an unearned run and three hits while striking out two.

Lonoke will play the Brookland Bearcats for the regional championship Monday at 2:30 p.m. Lonoke will also play in the Class 4A state tournament Friday at Blytheville. The Jackrabbits will receive a first-round bye no matter what happens Monday. 

Jackrabbits rout Trumann, qualify for state tourney

The Lonoke Jackrabbits are headed to the Class 4A state tournament after beating Trumann 10-0 in the first round of the regional tournament Friday at Pocahontas. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

POCAHONTAS — There was no letdown for the Lonoke Jackrabbits baseball team this season.

Lonoke routed Trumann 10-0 in the first round of the Class 4A East Region tournament Friday. The Jackrabbits were the top seed from the 4A-2 conference after winning the district tournament last week. The last two years, Lonoke was in the same position but got upset in the first round of the regional after playing in the Class 4A state championship game in 2012. Lonoke will play in the Class 4A state tournament next week in Blytheville, hosted by Gosnell HIgh School. 

The Jackrabbits (14-3) will play Gosnell in the semifinals Saturday at noon. 

In the win over Trumann on Friday, Lonoke pitcher Cody Martin allowed only one hit in five innings of work. He stuck out four in the victory.

Lonoke scored its first run in the bottom of the first. Casey Martin singled and stole second base. He eventually scored.

The Jackrabbits plated four runs in the third. Casey Martin, Haven Hunter, Cody Martin and Nick Graves all scored.

Lonoke put the game away when Christian James hit a grand slam in the fourth inning. Scoring on the play were Cody Martin, Graves, and Levi Ward, who was running for Elijah Seigrist. 

Lonoke's final run came in the bottom of the fifth. Savonte Rountree singled and eventually got to third base. He scored on a balk by the Trumann pitcher. 

The Jackrabbits had eight hits in the victory. Casey Martin and Conner Linton had two hits each. Also collecting hits were Hunter, James, Todd Pool, and Rountree.

James had five RBIs in the victory. 

Lady Rabbits break 11-year drought, qualify for state tourney

Lonoke's Gracie Cole heads toward first base during the 4A-2 District Tournament last week. Cole scored one of Lonoke's three runs in the Lady Jackrabbits' win over Pocahontas on Friday. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

POCAHONTAS — The Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits are going back to the state tournament for the first time in 11 seasons.

The Lady Jackrabbits beat host Pocahontas 3-0 in the first round of the Class 4A East Region tournament Friday. With the win, Lonoke qualifies for the state tournament, which starts next Thursday at Mena. Lonoke's last appearance came in 2004 under former coach Daryl Fimple. 

The Lady Jackrabbits will play Heber Springs in the semifinals on Saturday at noon. Heber Springs beat Lonoke 7-5 in the only matchup between the two teams March 17.

In the win over Pocahontas, Lonoke pitcher Charley Jo Chesney allowed only three hits and no walks in seven innings of work. She struck out six Lady Redskin batters.

Lonoke (13-5) took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. Jasalyn Truelove hit an inside-the-park home run. 

Lonoke added to its lead in the top of the third. Gracie Cole walked and scored on a double by Chesney. Lonoke's final run came in the seventh. Amanda Sexton walked and scored on a single by Candace James. 

Lonoke had six hits in the victory. Truelove had three. Chesney, Jarrelyn McCall and James had one hit each. 

Lady Rabbits qualify for regional by beating Riverview

Lonoke pitcher Charley Jo Chesney fires one against Southside Batesville. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

SEARCY — The Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits softball team qualified for the Class 4A East Region tournament with a 10-0 win over Riverview in the quarterfinals of the 4A-2 District Tournament on Friday night.

The Lady Jackrabbits then dropped an 11-1 decision to Southside Batesville in the semifinals Saturday.

In the win over Riverview, Lonoke scored twice in the bottom of the first. Jasalyn Truelove tripled and scored on a single by Jarrelyn McCall, who also scored in the inning. 

The Lady Jackrabbits scored two more run sin the second. Candace James led off walk. Her courtesy runner, Madison McFadden, scored on a triple by Gracie Cole, who also scored in the inning. 

After a scoreless third, Lonoke plated four runs int he fourth. James led off with a single. McFadden, running for James, scored again. Valerie Staton, Truelove and McCall each scored.

Lonoke ended the game with two runs in the bottom of the fifth. Cole singled and scored on a double by Staton.

Lonoke had 13 hits. Truelove led the way with three. Collecting two hits each were Charley Jo Chesney, McCall and Cole. 

James and Staton each had a hit. 

Chesney allowed only two hits. She struck out four in the win.

In the loss to Southside, Lonoke scored first. Chesney led off with a double. Lindsey McFadden, running for Chesney, went to third on a sacrifice bunt by Truelove and scored on a ground out by McCall

Southside took a 2-1 lead with two runs in the bottom of the frame. The Lady Southerners scored once in the third, and four times in both the fifth and sixth innings to get the win. 

Lonoke had five hits. Amanda Sexton had two. Chesney, Maddie Pool and Staton had one hit each. 

Lonoke will play in the first round of the regional tournament at 12:30 p.m. on Friday at Pocahontas. 

Lonoke shortstop Jasalyn Truelove reaches for a throw during Saturday's game. 

Jackrabbits win district tourney title, beat CAC and Newport

The Lonoke Jackrabbits are the 2015 4A-2 District Tournament champions. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

SEARCY — For the third consecutive season, the Lonoke Jackrabbits are the 4A-2 baseball district tournament champions.

Lonoke rallied from a late three-run deficit against Central Arkansas Christian in the semifinals then routed Newport in the championship game to win the tournament. Lonoke will be the top seed in the Class 4A East Region tournament, which starts Friday at Pocahontas. 

In the first game, CAC led 7-4 after the top of the sixth inning. Savonte Rountree led off with a double and went to third on a sacrifice bunt by Elijah Seigrist. He scored on a ground out by Casey Martin. 

Lonoke held the Mustangs scoreless in the top of the seventh, setting up some heroics in the bottom of the frame. 

Cody Martin reached on an error to start the inning. Nick Graves was hit by a pitch. Christian James followed with a double to tie the game at 7-7.

Pinch hitter Kade Stuart followed with a double to drive in James with the game-winning run

Kade Stuart knocks in the winning run against CAC.

Christian James celebrates after driving in the tying runs against CAC. 

In the second game, Lonoke fell behind 4-1 to Newport but rallied for a 14-4 win in five innings. Lonoke relief pitcher Keith Lingo did not allow a run in the final three innings. 

"With that game with CAC, we knew it was going to be a dogfight," Lonoke coach Darrick Lowery said. "They played a heck of game last night against Heber Springs, winning in 10 innings. They are playing extremely well late in the year."

Lowery said his team made a lot of mistakes against CAC.

"We found a way to win and that's big," he said. 

Newport was playing its fourth game in three days and the Greyhounds were struggling with pitching. 

"They had it tough having to play so many games in three days," Lowery said. "We did a good job of staying patient at the plate, taking walks and doing what we needed to do to pull away."

Lowery said Lingo was injured in the first practice of the season, tearing a ligament away from his hip.

"We throw him in in a big spot and he throws three scoreless innings," Lowery said of Lingo. "I'm proud for him. I can't say enough about our kids playing good defense behind him. He did his job, coming in and throwing strikes."

Lonoke will play Trumann in the first round of the regional tournament at 10 a.m. Friday. The Jackrabbits have been the top seed the last two seasons and gotten beat, denying them a trip to the Class 4A state tournament. 

"I feel good about our chances," Lowery said. "If we make a lot of mistakes like we did today, it will be tough. The other side of the regional is pretty tough."

Keith Lingo pitches against Newport in the championship game. Lingo pitched three scoreless innings to get the win.