By Curtis Rockwell/Sports Director

ELLISVILLE — Defending Class 5A State champ East Central is back to defend its South State title.
The Lady Hornets dispatched homestanding South Jones 7-5 Monday night to complete a two game sweep of that series. East Central now faces Sumrall for the Class 5A South State crown starting on the road Thursday night with a berth back to the state finals on the line.

The decision moves the Hurley crew to an impressive 28-4 on the season.
In the latest win, the Lady Hornets jumped out to a 7-0 lead after four frames, including a grand slam by Gracie Tanner that broke the game open at 6-0 in the top of the third.
Tanner’s two hits, that homer and a double, and her four RBIS led ECHS at the plate, while Angelina Gutierrez, Valarie Merrill and Lauren Pinkston each chipped in a pair of hits apiece to the game-winning 11 hit attack. Both Gutierrez and Merrill each had a double apiece, while Alivia Stringfellow drove in two runs also.

Destiny Tolbert worked just over six stanzas in the circle to pick up the pitching win, scattering five hits. Abby Danis finished up.

In a 5-2 win in game one four days earlier, Danis tossed a complete game six hitter with nine strike outs as she dominated the Lady Braves.

Tanner also had a game-high three hits, including a two-run home run, in that win.