A six-run first inning set the tone as Melissa softball rolled past Frisco Reedy 11-1 in their one-game playoff matchup, advancing behind dominant pitching and timely hitting.
The Cardinals wasted no time giving their home crowd something to celebrate. Bradyn Young, the second batter of the game, launched a deep fly to center field for a two-run homer. Later in the frame with the bases loaded, Ana Gonzales ripped a line drive down the left field line that cleared the bases, capping a decisive six-run opening inning.
Melissa added to the lead in the second when Arkansas commit LuLu Adrian drove a pitch over the center field wall for her 18th home run of the season, extending the advantage to 8-1.
On the mound, Eloisa Maes dominated from start to finish. The Cardinals' ace threw a complete game, allowing just three hits while striking out 10 batters. Maes improved to 21-2 on the season with the playoff victory.
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