PREP SOFTBALL: Sikes homers twice as Branford beats Hilliard for program’s first playoff win

  • Branford third baseman Madyson Sikes strolls into home plate and celebrates with her teammates after hitting one of her two home runs against Hilliard during Thursday’s Region 3-1A semifinal. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Special to the Reporter)
    Branford third baseman Madyson Sikes strolls into home plate and celebrates with her teammates after hitting one of her two home runs against Hilliard during Thursday’s Region 3-1A semifinal. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Special to the Reporter)

    BRANFORD — Branford made history Thursday night.

    A pair of home runs from Madyson Sikes and an 11-strikeout performance from pitcher Laila Arnold led the Class 1A No. 5 Buccaneers past Hilliard 6-1 in …