The hitting juggernaut known as the Lexington High School softball team pounded its way closer to a state title berth Monday on the road.

In routing South Florence 20-6 in 5 innings, the Lady Wildcats pounded out a season-high 23 hits for their 15th straight victory. It was also the 8th contest since Lexington’s last loss (8-7 to White Knoll on March 29) that it has scored 10 or more runs.

Lexington (23-3) jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the 1st inning spearheaded by a solo home run from Hannah Kumiyama and 3-run blast by Ashley Causey.

Kumiyama drove in 4 runs in the opening inning. She and winning pitcher Allie Light also combined for 7 strikeouts.

After the Lady Bruins responded with 3 runs in the Bottom 1st, the hits kept right on coming in the 2nd inning when Lexington added 7 more runs to its lead. Peri Rouillard had a 2-run single to cap the rally. She, Sarah Gordon, Jessica Senn and Alyssa McGraw and Jaci Fleming, who had a team-high 4 hits, all had 2 RBI apiece and Saige Stanley had 3 hits and an RBI.

“We have worked really hard all season on our hitting and making adjustments at the plate,” Lexington head coach Laurie Epps said. “The girls have bought into the process and they are trusting it right now.

Lexington will now await the winner of Wednesday’s elimination game between South Florence and Ashley Ridge.

We have been on the road a lot it feels like, so we are going to rest and continue to work hard on all aspects of the game," Epps said. "This group has proved they are selfless and are playing together as one unit. Im incredibly proud of these young ladies and our coaching staff for the countless hours and hard work this season."

Batesburg-Leesville 11, Abbeville 7

The host team claimed the “Battle of the Lady Panthers” and stayed alive in the Class 2A Upper State playoffs.

Kiara Quattlebaum drove in 4 runs and had 3 hits, including a 3-run homer, and Amie Johnson had 2 RBI to help build an early lead for Batesburg-Leesville.

Down 11-2 after 5 innings, the Lady Panthers of Abbeville rallied for 5 runs in the final 2 innings.

Batesburg-Leesville’s Jaylah Barr picked up the victory. The Lady Panthers of Batesburg-Leesville will travel Wednesday to Central for the Class 2A Upper State elimination game.

Aynor 6, Gilbert 0

The 2019 season for the Lady Indians ended with a Class 3A Lower State elimination loss to the Lady Blue Jackets.

Abbie Marlowe accounted for 2 of her team’s 5 hits. Gilbert finished the season 19-4.