Buckeye returns to championship game with Division II select semifinal win against David Thibodaux

By LaMar Gafford 

Photo of Buckeye's Allison Brossett (left) and Olivia Henry 

SULPHUR, La. - Last season, Buckeye’s softball team relied on redemption for its first title since 2012.

This season, it is all about retaining their status as champions.

The Lady Panthers are halfway there after defeating David Thibodaux, 5-1, in the Division II select semifinals Friday.

“These girls have been focused for weeks now,” Buckeye coach Justin Kees said. “Preparing for (Friday) started on Monday. They knew what the expectations were here with the crowd. This community came out like none other.”

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With senior Maddie Sinclair drawing walks on all four of her plate appearances, Lady Panther junior Allison Brossett generated their offense by going 3-for-4 with three RBIs.

Brossett scored the opening run in the bottom of the first after Adysen Mitchell grounded to second and then helped Buckeye (24-9) extend its lead in the bottom of the second on a two-run single. Another single to score Sidney St. Pe’ in the bottom of the sixth made it 5-1.

“I didn’t really stress about trying to hit the ball,” Brossett said. “I knew if I made contact, that was fine.”

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With ample run support, junior Olivia Henry was able to settle in as she fanned four batters and retired six of the last seven batters she faced.

“I was not hot at the plate (Friday), but when I got to the dugout, the girls and our stands were hype,” Henry said. “I was drinking some water and then screaming, ‘Somebody’s on second!’ I knew that my team had my back.”

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David Thibodaux (19-8) was led with two hits each by sophomores Aubrey Savani, Morgan Malveaux and Ava Speakman.

With the win, Buckeye will face Vandebilt Catholic in the Division II select championship game at noon Saturday.

Division V select semifinals

St. Joseph's-Plaucheville 10, Grace Christian 3

Thanks to eight third-inning runs, St. Joseph’s-Plaucheville will play for its first state softball championship since 2015.

Lady Eagle junior Madelyn Dupuis recorded 12 strikeouts and surrendered three hits, while fellow junior Shelbie Bernard opened the third-inning rally with a two-run base hit.

Lady Warrior freshman Bella Acree went 1-for-3 with two RBIs.

St. Joe’s will face Claiborne Christian in the Division V select finals at noon Saturday.