The Latta Angels scored 3 runs in the top of the sixth inning to claim a 4-1 victory over Iva in the Dixie Softball State Championship played in Marion on Saturday, July 15.
Paige Sherman for Latta picked up a walk to lead off the first inning. Madison Kersey and Maddie Berry for Latta were retired before Holly Scott hit one deep to centerfield for a double and a rbi to take a 1-0 lead.
Iva responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the first inning to knot the score at 1. Iva’s #3 garnered a walk and advanced to second and third while #3 scored on the throws.
Iva retired Latta 1-2-3 in the top of the second inning. Latta returned the favor by retiring 3 in a row after the #4 for Sumter arrived at first on a throwing error.
Once again Iva retired Latta 1-2-3 in the top of the third inning.
Latta’s Paige Sherman took the pitching duty over in the bottom of the third inning. Iva’s #17 hit one over second for a lead-off single but was unable to score as the next 3 batters were retired.
Riley Owens for Latta hit one over second to begin the fourth inning. Paige Sherman for Latta dribbled one to third for a single and runners were on first and second with no outs. Latta’s next batter was retired. Maddie Berry for Latta hit a chopper to shortstop that was bobbled. Latta was threatening with only one out. However, Sumter fought back, and no one scored.
Sumter was retired 1-2-3 in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Latta’s Kaitlyn Johnson picked up a walk. The next batter was retired. Katie Estes for Latta was hit by a pitch, and runners were on first and second but were left there as the next two Latta batters were retired.

Latta got out of a jam as the lead-off batter, #4 for Iva, connected for a bunt and arrived at first safely, then moved to second, and advanced to third as no one was covering the base. Latta buckled down and played defense and retired the next two batters to prevent a score.
Iva retired the lead-off batter for Latta before Riley Owens picked up a walk. Paige Sherman hit one to left for a triple and a rbi to give Latta a 2-1 lead. Latta’s Madison Kersey bunted and ended up on second. However, the Latta runner is tagged out going to third for out 2. Maddie Berry for Latta hit one down the first base line for an inside-the-park home run and 2 rbi to give Latta a 4-1 lead. Sumter managed to get the last out in the top of the sixth.
Latta inserted Kaitlyn Johnson as pitcher to face Sumter in the bottom of the sixth inning. Iva’s #17 popped up to first for out one followed by #40 who was retired. #3 hit a grounder by second for a single and advanced to second on the throw. #7 for Iva hit one by third, and runners were on first and third. #13 for Iva popped one up to first to end the game.
Latta faced Moncks Corner on Monday, July 17.