Corrigan-Camden was successful in the opening game of the regional semifinals Thursday versus Hawkins, shutting out the Lady Hawks 2-0 at Rusk High School. They need another victory to close out the best-of-three series.
“We executed at the right time,” Corrigan-Camden coach Rusti Hall said. “It was a pitcher's duel for a while.”
The Lady Dogs got on the scoreboard in the fifth inning.
Lacy Lawrence singled on a line drive to center field, and Cami Parrish grounded into a fielder's choice, however, Lawrence was safe on the throw to second, leaving two aboard in the inning. K.K. Johnson laid down a bunt toward third base, where Hawkins tried to get the force, but overthrew the bag, and a run scored. Trying to throw home on the same play, Hawkins overthrew home plate, allowing a second Corrigan run to cross.
Hawkins had only two runners on base Thursday. Freshman Abby Vera was efficient in shutting down the Lady Hawks, needing just 78 pitches over seven innings and striking out five on her way to picking up the win.
“It is a big confidence booster,” Hall said. “I don't know what the official stat is, but typically if you win the first game of the series, most teams win the series. We didn't look our best at the plate tonight, but we executed when it counted. We are super excited, and we have to go out and take care of business tomorrow so we can advance.”
The 2025 Lady Dogs have a chance to do what no other Corrigan-Camden softball team has accomplished. With one more victory, they will be the first to reach the postseason’s fourth round.
