Kindi Puckett's two-run home run in the top of the fifth inning proved to be all the runs Poyen needed in Thursday's first-round matchup at the Class 2A state softball tournament in Lepanto.
Puckett's home run gave the Lady Indians a 2-1 victory over Hazen, sending Poyen into a 12:30 p.m. game Friday
"It was a gritty win for us," Poyen Coach Blue Kesterson said. "We have been in these game situations all season, been in close ball games and the girls have been through it and today they knew what they had to do. They tightened up defensively and pulled it out."
Hazen broke on top 1-0 in the bottom of the first inning when junior Elizabeth Foote singled, stole second base and scored on Alex Sweeten's RBI single.
Hazen held the 1-0 lead until Puckett delivered the home run after fouling off a pitch. She sent the next pitch over the fence in left-center field to score her sister Kyla Puckett who reached after being hit by a pitch.
Hazen finished with six hits off Kindi Puckett, who had six strikeouts.
In earlier games Thursday, Spring Hill defeated Lavaca 6-2 and Pangburn defeated Salem 6-5. The tournament continues through Saturday with the semifinal games.
-- Fred Conley
Sports on 05/12/2017