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.