Region softball: Liberty County beats PSJ: Marianna falls

BRISTOL — Montana Manley’s three-run home run sparked a four-run first inning as Liberty County eliminated Port St. Joe 12-1 Friday night in the Region 1-2A softball semifinals.

The Bulldogs, 25-3, will host the Holmes County-Sneads survivor 6 p.m. CDT on Tuesday with a berth in the Class 2A Final Four at stake.

Liberty County (click here for team roster) defeated Port St. Joe for the fourth time this season and repeated its mercy-rule triumph in the District 3-2A finals. Ashley Sikes improved to 15-1 by allowing five hits and striking out three. She also was 2 for 3 with an RBI.

Ashley Black was 2 for 3 with a solo homer and three RBIs for the Bulldogs. Danielle Ellison with 2 for 3 with two RBIs.

“We jumped on them early and the girls played hard,” said Liberty County coach Jennifer Sewell, who acknowledged that homefield will provide an emotional edge on Tuesday.

“It’s definitely going to be important,” she said. “It’s a small town. Everybody around here loves sports.”

Brittany King knocked in Port St. Joe’s run in the fourth inning.

Region 1-3A

Florida High 12, Marianna 2

TALLAHASSEE — Marianna’s season came to an end as stout pitching from Florida High held down the Bulldogs’ potent lineup.

Marianna finished its season 21-8.

Region softball

Semifinal games, by classification, involving Panhandle regions:

• Class 1A — Aucilla Christian Academy 14, Laurel Hill 0; Eagle’s View Academy 8, Oak Hall 4 (10 innings).
• Class 2A — Sneads 4, Holmes County 1; Liberty County 12, Port St. Joe 1.
• Class 3A — Florida High 12, Marianna 2; Jacksonville Bolles 7, Baker County 0.
• Class 4A — Wakulla 2, Gulf Breeze 1; Bartram Trail 4, Paxon School for Advanced Studies 3.
• Class 5A — Niceville 6, Navarre 0; Columbia 7, Ed White 1.