Colonels fall in rubber game of state playoff series

Ansley Hight hit a first inning, three-run home run Tuesday night to give Cass an early 3-0 lead in their series deciding state playoff game at Chapel Hill, but the host Panthers took control the rest of the way. The two teams split a doubleheader Monday to force Tuesday night’s rubber game in the best-of-three series. Cass won the first game 15-5 with the host Panthers winning the second game, 13-7. Tuesday, Chapel Hill (17-11) knotted the score 3-3 in the home half of the first inning and went ahead 7-3 in the second inning. From there the Panthers added on for an eventual 15-5 win.

Cass threatened in the fourth inning when Haley Smith scored on a wild pitch and Rachael Lee singled home Rachael Lee, but the Colonels ultimately left the bases loaded and really never threatened again.

The Panthers scored six runs with two outs in their next frame and retired Cass in order in the fifth inning to end the game. Hight finished 2-for-3 for the Colonels. Haylee Dishmon was 1-for-2. Woods and Rachael Lee each ended up 1-for-3.

Chapel Hill advances to face Region 8-AAAAA champion Walnut Grove in a second round series. Cass has its season end with a 17-14 mark. Seven starters in the Colonels lineup return next season.