The Pike County Lady Bulldogs extended their season on Friday evening when they defeated the Abbeville Yellow jackets 16-8 in the Class 3A area tournament in Dale County.

The Bulldogs entered Friday’ night’s contest with a 1-1 record meaning their match with the Yellow Jackets was a must win game.

“It was a back-and-forth game for the first few innings,” said Bulldogs head coach Fawn Sims. “It took us a few innings to get our hands around and hit the ball. “

The offense played a major role in the Bulldogs coming out on top. “We played small ball again and we were a little more aggressive on the bases,” Sims said. “Everybody from the top to the bottom of the lineup hit the ball.”

They were led by Brooke Bennett who finished 4-5 with an RBI. Graci Williams and Tierra Johnson each had three hits while Beyonce Revels, Senkethia Thompson, Aubrey Maulden and Jordan Carllisle each had two.

“My slappers did an incredible job,” Sims said. “Top to bottom, it was great effort by everybody.

Bennett also pitched well on the mound. Bennett went all seven innings, allowing eight runs and striking out 10 batters.

The Bulldogs fell short in the area championship match against Dale County 15-0 on Friday night meaning they will enter the Class 3A Region Tournament as the Area 4 runner up and will play Excel at 1:30 at the Gulf Shores Sports Complex on Friday night.