The Beggs Junior High Lady Demons came out with early momentum Friday, striking first in the opening inning before Oktaha responded with a big offensive frame on the way to a 17-2 win in junior high softball action in Henryetta.

Beggs wasted little time making an impact at the plate. The Lady Demons generated early offense in the top of the first inning, putting pressure on the Oktaha defense and jumping out to a 2-0 lead. Paisley Williams delivered an RBI to help drive in one of the runs, while Gentry Kelley also added a run batted in during the inning. The early scoring effort gave Beggs a brief advantage and showcased the team’s ability to generate offense early in the game.

The Lady Demons continued to battle at the plate throughout the inning and finished the contest with six hits as a team. Madi Jones, Paisley Williams, Gentry Kelley, Crysta Courtney, and Alyssa Melton each recorded hits for Beggs, helping keep the offense active despite Oktaha’s eventual surge.

Oktaha answered in the bottom half of the first inning with a large offensive push that shifted the momentum of the game. The Lady Tigers capitalized on several scoring opportunities and were able to string together hits and baserunners to produce a 17-run inning, moving ahead 17-2 before the Lady Demons could regain control.

Despite the difficult inning, Beggs continued to compete and work through the game as the defense returned to the field in the following frames. The Lady Demons were able to hold Oktaha scoreless for the remainder of the contest as both teams settled into a more controlled pace over the final innings.

In the circle, Emilee Holland got the start for Beggs and worked 1.1 innings, allowing nine hits and 13 runs while throwing 56 pitches, 26 for strikes. Crysta Courtney entered in relief and helped stabilize the game over the final 1.2 innings, allowing two hits and four runs while throwing 27 pitches with 10 strikes.

Offensively for Beggs, Williams led the way with two hits in the game while also driving in a run. Jones added a hit in two at-bats, and Kelley contributed both a hit and an RBI. Courtney and Melton each recorded hits as well, helping the Lady Demons total six base knocks on the afternoon.

Kelley and Teegan Mills accounted for the two runs scored by Beggs during the early first-inning rally.

Although Oktaha’s big first inning ultimately proved decisive, the Lady Demons showed resilience by continuing to compete and finishing the game strong defensively. The team prevented any additional runs from scoring after the opening frame and continued to work at the plate in later innings.

The game provided valuable early-season experience for the young Beggs squad as they continue building chemistry and confidence on the field.

Under the guidance of head coach Jess Driver, the Lady Demons now stand at 1-1 on the season and will look to take the lessons from Friday’s contest as they prepare for the next opportunity to compete.

— Henryetta JH tops Beggs JH in county matchup The Beggs Junior High Lady Demons opened the game with an explosive offensive effort Friday but came up just short in a 9-7 loss to the Henryetta Junior High Lady Knights during the Henryetta Festival.

Beggs wasted no time making its presence known at the plate, sending 11 batters to the dish in the top of the first inning. The Lady Demons scored seven runs in a flurry of hits and smart baserunning, putting early pressure on the Lady Knights. Paisley Williams delivered two RBIs in the inning, while Madi Jones and Gentry Kelley each connected for a home run, driving in multiple runs and setting the tone for Beggs’ early advantage. Anabella Cruz, Paisley Kelley, Crysta Courtney and Alyssa Melton also scored, helping the Demons take full advantage of their aggressive start.

Jones’ homer helped drive in multiple runs and provided a spark for the team, while Kelley’s blast added another run to the tally, showcasing Beggs’ ability to produce big plays when it mattered most. Their contributions highlighted the lineup’s potential and kept the Lady Demons competitive even against a strong rival.

Henryetta responded immediately in the bottom of the first inning, storming back with nine runs to erase the early deficit. The Lady Knights’ lineup made the most of every opportunity, stringing together hits and capitalizing on mistakes to take the lead. The quick turnaround energized the home crowd and set the tone for the remainder of the matchup.

After the first inning, both teams settled into a defensive rhythm, and the scoreboard remained quiet for the rest of the contest. Beggs was unable to generate additional runs, and Henryetta held its advantage without allowing any further scoring. The final 9-7 score reflected a game defined by a frenetic opening frame and solid defensive efforts thereafter.

In the circle, Crysta Courtney pitched all four innings for Beggs, allowing nine hits and nine runs while issuing two walks and striking out four. While the pitching line reflects the high-scoring first inning, Courtney and the Lady Demons demonstrated poise and determination in limiting Henryetta to just one additional run over the remaining frames. The team’s defense also came up with key stops, helping keep the game competitive and preventing further escalation.

At the plate, Beggs recorded seven runs on multiple timely hits in the first inning. Jones and Williams led the way with two hits each, and Kelley contributed one. The team’s offensive effort highlighted both their patience at the plate and their ability to capitalize on early scoring opportunities.

The game carried added significance as part of the Henryetta Festival, where county rivalries are on full display. While Beggs’ early surge demonstrated their ability to compete with a top local opponent, the Lady Knights ultimately secured the win, preserving county bragging rights and leaving the Demons with lessons to carry forward.

Head coach Jess Driver emphasized the positives from the game. “The girls came out swinging and really showed what they can do when they’re aggressive at the plate,” Driver said. “Henryetta is a tough rival, but our players left everything on the field. This game gives them experience they can build on for the rest of the season.”

With the loss, Beggs now stands at 1-2 on the season. Despite the outcome, the Lady Demons demonstrated offensive firepower and resilience that could serve them well in upcoming contests as they continue to develop chemistry and confidence on the field. In the wake of the tornado that struck the school on March 6, all scheduled junior high games have been canceled until further notice as officials assess the damage and ensure the safety of students and staff. The Beggs JH squad will not let this setback get them down; they are staying focused and will continue practicing so that when their time on the diamond comes, they are ready to compete at their best.