The prize is now in sight for the Lady Tigers.

An 18-0 rout of Springdale High, coupled with Rogers Heritage’s loss at Fort Smith Southside, gives Bentonville (24-1, 11-0) a two-game lead in the 7A-West standings with three games remaining.

The Lady Tigers could secure a first-round bye in the state tournament and at least a share of the league title Thursday with a win at Rogers, but coach Kent Early knows it won’t be easy. Bentonville squeaked out a 2-0 victory when the two teams played earlier at the Tiger Athletic Complex.

“We’ve got some big conference games left,” Early said. “Of course, every conference game is huge. But as the old cliche goes, you have to take it just one game at a time.
“We’re in a good position. Getting a first-round bye is huge because every team in this group has one quality pitcher, and those first-round games are always tough.”

Bentonville also has a big nonconference game Friday against North Little Rock, and it will be played at Memorial Park because of the Great American Conference tournament. The Lady Tigers then close out the regular season with a game at Rogers Heritage and a home game against Fayetteville.

— Henry Apple • @NWAHenry
