By Shannon Fagan, WEIS Sports Director

OXFORD – The Spring Garden Lady Panthers rebounded from a tough morning loss to second-ranked Leroy by holding off Verbena 3-2 in Class 1A state softball tournament losers bracket action in Oxford on Tuesday.

Kayley Kirk put the Lady Panthers up 1-0 with her solo home run to right center field in the top of the third inning. Spring Garden added two more runs in the top of the fourth on a two-run single to right by Madi Ham.

Verbena rallied for a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth, including one on a double to center by Jaycee Quinn to make it a 3-2 game. Verbena threatened to score again in the bottom of the seventh when Kiara Ray doubled to left with two outs, but Lady Panther pitcher Avery Steward got Maya Schuffert to ground out her to her for the final out of the game.

Steward picked up the win in the circle, giving up an earned run on six hits with three walks and seven strikeouts. Quinn suffered the loss after giving up three runs on eight hits with two walks and nine strikeouts.

Layla Ingram had a pair of infield singles for Spring Garden. Lilly McCain had a hit and a walk. Steward, Helena Ingram and Maggie Reedy each contributed a hit for the Lady Panthers. Maggie Jarrett drew a walk.

Ray went 2-for-3 with a double and a walk to lead Verbena. Quinn also went 2-for-3 with a double and drove in a run.

Spring Garden advances to meet Maplesville in second round losers bracket action at Choccolocco Park.