Newton County’s Lizzy Hollingsworth makes a diving catch for an out in the infield against East Central Wednesday afternoon.

Newton County didn’t have much offense in its first game against East Central Tuesday night in a 2-1 loss on the road.

The Lady Cougars made sure that didn’t happen again as they erupted for 13 and 12 hits, respectively, in Games 2 and 3 of the first round of the MHSAA Class 4A playoffs Wednesday evening at home. The result were wins of 10-0 and 8-3 that staved off elimination and advanced Newton County to the second round of the playoffs.

With Newton County needing to win two to avoid its season ending, head coach Justin Chaney had one message for his girls prior to Wednesday’s first game: Just get us to a rubber match.

“I was worried to death,” Chaney admitted. “I just said to give us a chance to get us a Game 3 on our field, and I like our chances.”

Once the two games were over, Chaney said fellow faculty at the school couldn’t stop telling him what a special group he had.

“I’ve had a bunch of people that coach with us at the school that were very complimentary of our girls,” Chaney said. “They said, ‘You have some tough-minded girls.’”

In Game 2, starting pitcher Brittany Thomas pitched a gem for Newton County, holding East Central to just three hits and one walk in six innings of work to secure the win. Thomas also went 2-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs.

“I know it had to give us a boost,” Chaney said of Thomas’ work in Game 2. “She pitched the ball really well. I was proud of her. She just battled and battled, and I thought she got better as the game went on.”

Landree Amis finished 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs in Game 2, while Shelby Anderson had a two-run double. Lizzy Hollingsworth finished 2-for-4 with a double, and Katelyn Gipson was 3-for-4 with an RBI. Lorren Ivey was 2-for-3 for the Lady Cougars.

In Game 3, Shelby Anderson got the start and pitched seven strong innings for Newton County. She gave up three runs, two earned, on 10 hits and three walks while striking out four to get the win.

Amis once again had a strong game at the plate, finishing 2-for-4 with a double. Gipson was 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored, and Anderson finished 3-for-4. Thomas and Ivey both finished 2-for-3, and Thomas had a pair of RBIs. 

As the team’s leadoff hitter, Amis both helped set the table and came through with some big hits of her own.

“She’s a fighter; she’s a competitor,” Chaney said. “I tell her all the time that she’s a coach on the field. I have to give my assistant coaches credit, because they were the ones who wanted her in the leadoff spot. Ever since we did that, we’ve taken off, and I think she fits that spot perfectly.”

A vocally supportive crowd greeted the Lady Cougars Wednesday night, and Chaney said that helped give his team an edge it needed after the Game 1 loss Tuesday.

“Our crowd was electric tonight,” Chaney said. “They were enthusiastic and encouraging, and that’s what playoff softball is all about.”

Newton County (23-6) will play at Purvis Friday for Game 1 of the second round of the Class 4A playoffs. Game 2 and, if necessary, Game 3 will be played at Newton County Saturday.