LEXINGTON — South Laurel’s dream of making a deep run in the KHSAA Fastpitch State Tournament came to an end Thursday morning as 9th Region champion Highlands defeated the Lady Cardinals, 3-0, in first-round action.
The loss ended a remarkable season for Carly Mink’s squad, which finished with a 36-6 record after capturing the 50th District and 13th Region championships.
Highlands improved to 34-6 and advanced to the state quarterfinals behind a dominant performance from senior pitcher Kaitlyn Dixon.
Dixon was nearly unhittable in the circle, tossing a one-hit shutout while striking out 15 batters and walking none. South Laurel’s lone hit came from junior second baseman Skye Lawson, who doubled.
For four innings, the contest was a pitcher’s duel between Dixon and South Laurel ace Kenzie Williams.
Williams kept the Lady Bluebirds off the scoreboard through the opening four frames, allowing just two hits during that stretch.
Highlands finally broke through in the fifth inning.
Morgan Pompilio delivered an RBI single to score the game’s first run before Cam Markus added an RBI single later in the inning. Kaitlyn Dixon followed with an RBI hit of her own as the Lady Bluebirds pushed their advantage to 3-0.
That would be all the offense Highlands needed.
Williams battled throughout the game, allowing five hits and three runs, only one of which was earned, while striking out nine and walking one.
South Laurel’s committed two errors in the game.
The Lady Cardinals were unable to solve Dixon. South Laurel managed just Lawson’s double.
Despite the loss, South Laurel closes the season as one of the most successful teams in program history. The Lady Cardinals tied the school record for victories with 36, won their eighth regional championship overall and returned to the state tournament for the first time since 2023.
