Bennett's brilliant pitching lifts Choudrant over Simsboro

Choudrant (13-4, 2-0 district) clinched at least a share of the District 2-B title with a 1-0 win over rival Simsboro (14-8, 2-1 district) on Friday afternoon, with Holly Bennett pitching a complete-game shutout to lead the Lady Aggies.

Bennett went the full seven innings, striking out 11 batters, allowing just two hits and no runs in the win, only needing the one run to seal the win that came in the third inning when Emma Boggs had an RBI to score Bennett.

While the runs weren't exactly piling up, Kylie Willis and Kelsee Guillotte each had two hits for Choudrant.

Choudrant head coach Wayne Antley was pleased with Bennett's ability to keep the Tigers in check.

"We knew it was going to be low-scoring game with two really good pitchers going," Antley said. "I thought it might be 4-3 or 2-1 but not 1-0. But a win's a win and we'll take it. Holly did well today."

Carlei Wheeler for Simsboro wasn't shabby either in the circle, throwing six innings, allowing four hits, one earned run and striking out nine batters. Wheeler reached base safely twice on a pair of Choudrant errors in the outfield but the Tigers could never match her outing with meaningful offense. Cici Caldwell delivered Simsboro's only two hits on a pair of singles to left field.

Simsboro head coach Payton Bond said his team has no reason to feel down.

"We fought till the end with them and I told the girls that there's still a lot of season left," Bond said. "Even though we didn't get the win today, we still have a lot to play for."

Choudrant has a busy week ahead with matchups against Lakeside, Caddo Magnet, Southwood, a makeup with Forest, and a weekend home tournament.

Simsboro will stay busy as well, playing Summerfield, Red River, and Delhi Charter.