South Brunswick softball advances to first state championship in 17 years

South Brunswick softball is state championship-bound.

The Cougars continued an electrifying 3A state playoff run by thumping South Central 14-3 on Wednesday night to complete the East Regional series sweep.

After stomping the Falcons in Southport 11-0 in Game 1 of the series Tuesday, South Brunswick trailed 2-0 after one inning in Game 2 in Winterville. The Cougars responded by loading the bases and scoring four runs in the top of the second to take the 4-2 lead.

SOUTH BRUNSWICK SOFTBALL'Truly remarkable': South Brunswick softball advances to first regional final in 16 years

A South Central run in the bottom of the fifth brought the game to 4-3 before the Cougars erupted in the top of the sixth, scoring six runs. Carly Clews and Oliva Brown each homered in the top of the seventh, bringing in four runs to secure an 11-run lead.

South Brunswick pitcher Kina Davis continued a dominant junior season by throwing nine strikeouts in the game.

South Brunswick (25-4) will play Piedmont or Kings Mountain in the 3A state championship next weekend. The state final is a best-of-three series and will be played at either Duke or UNC Greensboro.