Hannan softball advances; Slidell falls in heart-breaking fashion to Ponchatoula

Third-seeded Hannan cruised to a 15-0 Division II select second-round playoff victory over 14th-seeded De La Salle at Coquille Park on April 16.

The Hawks (24-6) will host sixth-seeded Academy of Our Lady (17-11) on Saturday at 5 p.m. in the quarterfinals. The Penguins knocked off Hannan 13-0 in the quarterfinals last season.

On Tuesday, the Hawks used an 11-run second inning to put away the Cavaliers (10-14-1). Freshman shortstop Kodi Ricks went 4 for 4 with six RBIs and two doubles to lead the offense.

Senior Avery Bowers blasted a two-run, inside-the-park home run, while senior Emma Burke went 3 for 3 with an RBI and three runs scored. Senior Cheyenne Jenkins and Sydnie Ferrant both had doubles and drove in a run.

“We took care of business,” Hannan coach Becky Lambert said. “It was good to see them come out and continue to play well. This team is gritty, and they love the game. Now, we get AOL, and it’s going to be a good game. I think we’re hitting the ball better than last year. I think this team is ready for the moment. It should be a fun game.”

Freshman Ava Kulivan made her first start since April 3 and pitched two scoreless innings with three hits and three strikeouts. Freshman Grace Furlow threw a scoreless inning of relief.

PONCHATOULA 6, SLIDELL 5: The 13th-seeded Tigers gave the fourth-seeded Green Wave (23-7) all they could handle and nearly pulled off the Division I nonselect second-round upset, but Slidell couldn’t overcome costly errors.

Tied 5-5 in the bottom of the seventh, Ponchatoula’s Brilynn Singh belted a two-out RBI double to drive in Sierra Bess for the walk-off win. Bess drew a two-out walk and scored the winning run two pitches later.

The Tigers (24-8) pounded out nine hits including three for extra bases. Camille Boudreaux and Eddrian Schenkel both had doubles, while Hollie Flower blasted a solo home run in the third.

Junior Bailey Mackles took the loss, allowing six runs (one earned) on four hits and seven walks. She struck out five.