By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

The defending Class 5A state champion George County Lady Rebels won’t be able to defend their crown this season.

Instead, they have their sights set on the Class 6A state title after moving up a level this year due to expansion over the off-season.

The Lady Rebels dispatched Hattiesburg to open the Class 6A South State playoffs over the weekend in quick fashion, winning game one at home Thursday 15-0 and then taking game two Friday in the Hub City 14-1.

In the opener in Lucedale, Blakely Slay smacked a triple and drove in two runs for the Lady Rebels while Kyleigh Howell also drove in a run with a triple and Ava Claire Broadus also chipped in a triple in the winning effort. Mary Jo Tatum had a double and an RBI for GCHS, while Braylee Bishop collected a game-high four RBIs for the Lady Rebels. Addison Davis, Haleigh Tatum, Alexis O’Neal and Tristan Finch each drove in a run apiece for GCHS.

Addison Davis went the distance on the mound in the four frame decision to pick up the pitching win.

In game two in Hattiesburg, Tatum, Howell and Peyton Collins each had a triple for George County while Aryana Dixon, Mari Torres and Natalie Jones each posted a double apiece in the winning effort. Dixon, Haleigh Tatum, Torres and Jones each recorded two hits each, while Haleigh Tatum drove in a game-high three RBIs. Slay, Torres, Jordyn Bradley, Jones and Mary Joe Tatum each drove in a run for the Lady Rebels.

Davis again picked up the win in the five inning affair, as she and Mary Joe Tatum each tossed two frames apiece.

George County faces West Harrison in the upcoming Class 6A South State semifinals beginning Friday. West Harrison knocked off West Jones in the opening round of the playoffs.