Latta’s Lady Vikings shut out Whale Branch 15-0 on Thursday and 18-0 on Saturday to claim the District VIII title in the Class A state softball playoffs.

After Latta received a bye in the first round, a forfeit left Whale Branch as the only other team in the District VIII bracket. Instead of waiting until the second round on Saturday, the Vikings hosted Whale Branch on Thursday night and shut out the Warriors 15-0 in five innings. Latta scored five runs in the bottom of the first and added seven in the second and three in the fourth to seal the win.

Anna Rogers pitched five innings for the win, allowing two hits while striking out 11. Whale Branch’s Shipley took the loss, pitching four innings for 13 hits, 15 runs, six earned runs, five walks, three outs, and one hit by pitch.

Latta’s Macy Hyatt went 3-for-3 with a double to lead the Lady Vikings at bat and Anna Rogers went 1-for-3 with a triple and six RBIs. Mikenzi Caniglia also went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs as the Vikings recorded 13 hits in the win.

Shipley and Walker each went 1-for-2 for Whale Branch’s only two hits.

On Saturday, Latta hosted Whale Branch a second time and clenched the District VIII title with an 18-0 win over the Warriors. Latta scored four runs in the bottom of the first and 13 in the second, adding one in the third for the 18-0 win.

Anna Rogers got the win on the mound, pitching five innings and allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out 11.

Raven Baxley led the Lady Vikings at bat, going 2-for-3 with a home run and six RBIs. Camryn Sawyer went 2-for-3 for Latta, and Madison Owens went 1-for-2 with three runs scored. Tori Grimsley and Macy Hyatt also each scored three runs in the win. The Lady Vikings had 10 hits, while Whale Branch had two.

Latta improved to 12-11 overall and will proceed on to the Class A Lower State bracket where they will face the winner of District VII on Friday or Saturday.

Be sure to check thedillonherald.com for the latest playoff updates and schedules!