From staff and special reports

BROOKHAVEN — Visiting Poplarville swept an opening round Class 4A South State playoff series from Brookhaven in prep fast-pitch softball Saturday.

The Lady Hornets of head coach Jonathan Ray, ranked second in the state, made quick work of the homestanding Lady Panthers winning 10-0 and 14-1 behind the powerful pitching of Megan Ladner.

Kayla Ross had a home run for Poplarville and Chelsea Theriot, Paige Miller and Janessa Dedeaux had big days at the plate for the Lady Hornets as well.

Poplarville will open play in round two on Saturday.