Lady Patriots, Lady Pirates to meet in state quarterfinals

The Kaplan Lady Pirates have had a week off since they last played a game, and the bats came out and were a little rusty.
Fortunately for the Lady Pirates, pitcher Abby Trahan and the defense was on top of their game, as the Lady Pirates move on to the quarterfinals of the Class 3A Stat Championship playoffs with a 1-0 victory over Pine Prairie.
“I was worried,” Kaplan head coach Shay Herpin said. “I started worrying yesterday as a matter of fact. I knew they (Pine Prarire) was a good team, and the pitcher they have could be a lot of trouble for us, and she was. We walked away with the win and that is all that matters at this point in time.”
Olivia Gabor reached first base in the bottom of the first inning, and after stealing a base, a single by Lindsey Schexnailder, Gabor found herself on third base.
Caroline Touchet stepped up to the plate and even though she grounded out, it was enough to score Gabor from third, and that would be the only run of the game.
Abby Trahan pitched an excellent game.
She pitched all seven innings, and in her time on the mound she only allowed three hits. She also struck out six Pine Prairie batters.
“I think Abby pitched a great game,” Herpin said. “She stayed real confident and poised on the mound. She never got flustered or anything, and she pitched her butt off.”
Now the Lady Pirates can look forward to making a trip to Sulphur to play in the quarterfinals.
Their opponent is going to be district rival North Vermilion.
“We know them pretty well,” Herpin said. “Just like I’m sure they know us. It is going to be a good game, because they are a good team.”
The time of the game as of press time had yet to be determined, but the game will be played on Friday in Sulphur.

Andy Bullard
Sports Editor