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.