All season long, Katie Channell has lurked in the middle of Warren Central’s order as the team’s biggest home run threat.

She unleashed her power at the perfect time Friday night.

The senior hit a solo home run to center field with one out in the top of the seventh inning, and Warren Central hung on to beat Olive Branch 8-7 to complete a two-game sweep of their Class 6A playoff series.

Warren Central rallied to win after wasting a 5-0 lead, and advanced to face South Panola in a series beginning Monday.

Game 1 is Monday at Warren Central at 5 p.m. Games 2 and 3 are Tuesday at South Panola starting at 5 p.m.

Beating Olive Branch was Warren Central’s first playoff series victory since 2007.

“Just getting the victory was the biggest thing. That’s a battle we’ve been trying to overcome,” Warren Central coach Dana McGivney said.

Channell finished the game 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. She also drove in a run with a fielder’s choice in the first inning, then doubled and scored on a passed ball in the third.

Brooke Patterson was 2-for-3 with a double, RBI and two runs scored, and Coco Fultz went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored.

WC pitcher Darby Gain allowed seven runs, but only three were earned. She allowed 10 hits and three walks, and struck out seven.