Latta’s Lady Vikings shut out Branchville 8-0 on Wednesday to claim the District V softball championship and took down Johnsonville 5-1 in the first round of the Class A Lower State Tournament on Friday.

Latta started off the district championship game with six runs in the bottom of the first inning. They held off Branchville throughout and capped the win with two runs in the sixth for the 8-0 shut out.

Anna Rogers picked up the win for Latta, pitching seven innings for just three hits and striking out 12.

Dori Webster led the Lady Vikings at bat, going 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI. Dallas Sweat went 2-for-3 with two RBIs; Tori Grimsley went 1-for-4; Chelsea Welty went 1-for-3 with a triple and an RBI; Allison Moody went 1-for-3 with an RBI; Sarah Lane went 1-for-1; and Mikenzi Caniglia went 1-for-3 for Latta.

The Lady Vikings had nine hits and two errors in the game, while Branchville had three hits and two errors.

On Saturday, Latta battled Johnsonville to a 5-1 win in the first round of the lower state playoffs. Both teams were held scoreless until Latta broke loose with five runs in the bottom of the fifth. The Lady Flashes got their lone run in top of the sixth from Annsley Mace.

Anna Rogers pitched all seven innings for Latta, allowing just two hits, one earned run, and four walks, while striking out 10. Ashley Hanna took the loss, pitching six innings for 10 hits, five runs, three earned runs, three walks, and six outs.

Tori Grimsley went 2-for-4 with an RBI for Latta, and Dallas Sweat went 1-for-4 with two RBI to lead the Vikings at bat. Macy Hyatt went 1-for-3 with an RBI, and Allison Moody went 1-for-2 with an RBI for Latta.

Ashley Prosser went 1-for-3 for Johnsonville, with Annsley mace going 1-for-3 with an RBI.

Latta’s record improved to 17-4 overall as they headed into Monday night’s game against Green Sea-Floyds. Latta lost both of their previous encounters with the Lady Trojans.

If they are successful, the Lady Vikings will move on to Friday’s Lower State Championship game. If they lose, they will have to face either Johnsonville or East Clarendon on Wednesday.

Be sure to check thedillonherald.com for the latest playoff updates, and look for photo galleries from the recent playoff games!