HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — In a loud and emotional atmosphere filled with nonstop energy from both fanbases, the Warren Lady Jacks battled their longtime rivals from Monticello on the state’s biggest stage Friday afternoon before falling 7-4 in the 4A State Softball Championship game at Majestic Park.
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Fans from both Bradley and Drew counties packed the stands throughout the afternoon as two familiar 8-4A Conference opponents met for the fourth time this season.
The Lady Jacks were making the first state championship appearance in program history and showed the same determination that carried them through a memorable postseason run.
Monticello struck first in the bottom of the second inning when Addi Frazer connected on a solo home run to center field for a 1-0 lead.
Warren answered quickly in the top of the third and briefly seized momentum. Haven Johnson ripped an RBI single down the right field line before Bayleigh Miller followed with an RBI double to center field, giving the Lady Jacks a 2-1 advantage and igniting the Warren crowd.
The Lady Billies responded in the bottom half of the inning with a five-run frame to regain control. Monticello used timely hitting and aggressive baserunning to move in front 6-2.
Even after the big inning, Warren continued to battle. The Lady Jacks collected nine hits against one of the state’s top pitchers in Frazer and refused to let the game get away quietly.
Miller turned in one of the top offensive performances of the afternoon, finishing 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Johnson added two hits and an RBI, while Charlee Wardlaw doubled, walked twice, and drove in a run. Natalie Hargrave added an RBI hit, and Bailey Fellows reached base twice with a hit and a walk.
As a team, Warren matched Monticello with nine hits and forced Frazer to throw 143 pitches over seven innings.
Brooklynne McVay pitched all six innings for the Lady Jacks and battled through traffic throughout the contest while facing 32 batters.
Monticello also totaled nine hits in the game. Frazer homered and drove in two runs, while Mia Scogin finished with three hits for the Lady Billies.
Although the Lady Jacks came up short of the state title, the 2026 season will be remembered as one of the most significant in program history. Warren not only reached its first-ever softball state championship game, but did so while carrying the support of an energized community that helped create a championship atmosphere worthy of two conference rivals battling for a state title.
Congratulations to the Lady Jacks on their great season!
