Hernando Softball Wins MHSAA 7A Championship After Previous Title Series Losses
The Hernando High School Lady Tigers secured the MHSAA Class 7A softball state championship by defeating Ocean Springs High School with a 9-7 victory in Game 3 of the title series. The decisive game took place on May 15, 2026, at the Southern Miss Softball Complex in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Hernando sealed the win with a crucial five-run sixth inning. This victory marks Hernando's second state title, ending a difficult period where the team suffered championship defeats in 2022, 2024, and 2025. Head coach Nicki Whitten praised her team's resilience and ability to perform in tight games, noting that previous losses motivated the players. Key contributors mentioned include junior Graycin Higginbotham and shortstop Jayla Sites. Ocean Springs, appearing in their first state championship final, finished the season with a 29-11 record, while Hernando ended with a 32-5 record. The win represents a significant breakthrough for the Lady Tigers after narrowly missing the title in three of the last four years.
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