The Russellville Lady Panthers, who have become a regular in the Class 1A State Tournament, took the first step back there this weekend by beating Clinton County 6-5 on the road.

Rayleigh “Ray Ray” Roberts and Crissy Higgins each had three hits with Roberts also walking. Madison “Matt Matt” Penrod homered, Akiah Bell walked twice and tripled, and Reese Croslin doubled and walked in the sectional win.

Also walking were Kayelynn ‘KK’ Davenport and Lexi Triplett. Bell, Croslin and Chloe ‘Red’ Penrod stole bases. Bell scored twice with Ja’eda Poindexter, Mariyah Merriweather, Madison Penrod and Roberts adding a run each.

Chloe Penrod pitched the complete-game victory. She gave up the five runs on seven hits and four walks.

The Lady Panthers will resume Class 1A play Saturday against host Cumberland County at 11 a.m.

Todd Central, which beat Metcalfe County 11-1 in their opener, will take on Monroe County in the other semifinal.

Lady Panthers 15, AC-S 10

Croslin and Bell each homered, and Bell added one of the five Lady Panther doubles. Madison Penrod powered two of those two-baggers with Higgins and Roberts adding one each.

Croslin not only homered, but it was a grand slam. She had five RBIs. Bell added three runs driven in.

Coach Ryan Davenport’s team banged out 19 hits. Davenport, Madison Penrod and Higgins each tallied three hits with Croslin, Bell, Roberts and Poindexter adding two each. Adding singles were Chloe Penrod and Triplett.

Higgins, Bell, Roberts, Poindexter and Triplett each scored two runs with Merriweather, Davenport, Croslin and Chloe Penrod adding one each.

Davenport and Higgins each had two RBIs with Madison Penrod and Roberts adding one each.

Rylee Grayson was the starting pitcher. She gave up only one run in four innings on six hits and four walks. Madison Penrod worked the next six outs and was officially the winning pitcher. Her sister got the final out, retiring the only batter she faced.