A two-out, two-run double off an 0-2 pitch by Knightlee Mitten in the top of the seventh was enough for Paris softball to advance to its first Final Four with an 8-6 win over Cairo.
It was all Cairo through the first couple innings.
The Lady Cats got a two-run single by Avery Brumley and RBI single from Mallori Hankins in the second to go up 5-0. In the top of the third, a walk, error and single set up Paris pitcher Kennedy Ashenfelter to help herself out.
One batter later, Reese Sutton came through with a big swing.
Cairo recaptured the lead with an RBI double by Addison Bailey in the bottom half, but the Lady Cats were held scoreless over the final four innings. Kennedy Ashenfelter drove in Emma Ashenfelter on a single to tie it in the fifth. Kennedy went 3-for-4 with four RBI while getting the win in the circle to be named the Freeman Financial and Insurance Outstanding Player of the Game. Paris will play Gallatin in the state semifinals.
Kylee Dodge reached base three times, including a triple in the first inning, for Cairo. The Lady Cats’ season ends at 24-5.
Cairo coach Jennifer Matthews Postgame:
