MUSTANGS, LADY MUSTANGS PICK UP DISTRICT TOURNAMENT WINS

Ben Cole blasted a three run walk-off homer with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning to lift Buffalo Island Central to a stunning 8-6 victory over Rector Friday afternoon in the first round of the 2A-3 District Tournament at Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge.

Cole's homer saved the Mustang season and secured BIC a spot in next week's Regional Tournament. For Cole, it was the senior's first career home run and gave the victory to Isaac Ibanez, who pitched all seven innings for BIC, striking out six while allowing 10 hits.

"I hadn't gotten a hit all game, and I was just trying to make contact," said Cole. "That's the first home run I've ever hit, so it feels pretty good."

"I was really proud of Ben," said Mustang Head Coach Garrett Eoff. "It's a great feeling. This secures a spot for us in the regional tournament."

Ibanez helped his own cause, going 2-4 at the plate while driving in a pair of runs. Wes Colbert went a perfect 3-3 with a triple and two runs scored.

Southpaw Denver Knight took the loss for Rector. Knight led the Cougars at the plate, going 2-2 with a double and an RBI. Alex Scott also had a pair of hits on the day.

BIC's District Tournament Championship hopes ended Saturday afternoon at the hands of Marked Tree, 13-3.

Jodiee Clay drilled a pair of doubles and drove in two runs while picking up the victory on the mound to lead the Lady Mustangs to a 15-5 victory over Maynard in the opening round of the 2A-3 District Softball Tournament Thursday afternoon at Black Rock.

Megan Misner went 3-4 with a pair of RBIs and scored twice while Brittany Stockton had two hits and drove in a pair of runs for BIC, who advanced to the second round of the District Tournament. Bianca Garcia also contributed two hits while driving in a run. Brittany Fowler and Cassidy Qualls both doubled and scored three runs apiece.