FULTON, Ms. – LSU Eunice's stay at the Region 23 Tournament came to a bittersweet end as the Bengals were upended by Jones County 10-0 in the Championship Game.  Despite the loss, LSUE will join JCJC as the two Region 23 representatives in next week's NJCAA Division II World Series at Traceway Park in Clinton, Ms.
 
The Bengals (46-18) opted to rest the majority of their starting lineup after already clinching a trip to the World Series.  The Jones County duo of Karli Perque and Hallie Donald capitalized by not allowing a hit against the LSUE reserves.
 
Jones County tacked on two runs in the opening frame and added another pair in an inning later.  The Bobcats delivered the knockout blow with a five-run third inning, highlighted by Gracie McCleskey's two-run home run to push the Bobcat lead to 9-0.
 
Kaeleigh Crutchfield was tagged with the loss after tossing 2.1 innings, giving up seven runs off four hits and four walks.  Heidi Zumo and Jeanne Trahan also saw action in the circle for LSUE.
 
LSU Eunice showed signs of life in the third after opening the frame with two straight walks but JCJC would sit down the next three Bengal batters to squash the threat.
 
LSUE will find out its seed and opponent on Monday when the NJCAA releases the official bracket for the Division II World Series.  The first round will begin at either 1:30PM or 3:30PM on Wednesday followed by a Home Run Derby and Social.
 
Fans can find the latest Bengals information on social media via Twitter (@LSUEBengalsSB), Facebook (@LSUEuniceSoftballl) and Instagram (@LSUEBengals).