Fourth-Inning Rally Powers No. 14 Hallsville Past Wylie in Game 1 of 4A Bi-District Softball Series

BULLARD -- If tonight is any indication of the future of Hallsville softball, the Ladycats are in good hands.

Led by a slew of underclassman, Hallsville exploded for 12 runs in the fourth inning and beat Wylie 14-2 in Game 1 of their Class 4A Region II bi-district playoff at Brook Hill Ball Park on Friday.

Hallsville (26-5-1), ranked No. 14 in the Texas Girls Coaches Association 4A poll, plays Game 2 against Wylie at 11 a.m. Saturday in Lindale.

Freshman Hailey Hollan led the Hallsville attack with three hits, including two RBI doubles. ETBU commit Lindsey Vasquez added two RBI singles, and Cassidy Ferrill went five innings, yielding one run on three hits while striking out seven.

"With this bunch, they have exploded for big innings all year long," said Hallsville coach Pat Eitel. "We just don't panic. That's what this team is. Give our girls their dues, they always find a way to come through. "

Wylie (12-10 ) jumped ahead in the top of the second. Emily Aldous had an RBI sacrifice fly and Anna Saldivar scored on a wild pitch, giving the Lady Pirates a 2-0 lead.

After Hallsville plated two runs in the third on a two-run Ferrill single, the Ladycats exploded for 12 in the fourth thanks to 11 hits and three Wylie errors.

Eight of nine Hallsville hitters delivered a hit, but that's nothing new to Eitel.

"It's like the flood gates open. The next person doesn't want to be the last out. When that happens, it's fun to watch. We're just young and don't know any better," said Eitel, whose roster boasts three seniors, two juniors, one sophomore, and eight freshmen. "The freshmen are just laid back, playing softball. I'm an intense coach and have had to take a back seat and just let them play."

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