LEON — Yates Center High’s softball team opened the Class 2-1A playoffs in fine fashion Monday, steamrolling past Northern Heights, 12-1.
The game ended after five innings with Yates Center up by more than 10.
The Wildcats’ Molly Proper led the Wildcat attack with three triples and three RBIs, while Morgan Collins pitched all five innings, striking out 10 and allowing two hits. She also rapped out two hits at the plate, as did Emma Grogg and Izzy Lewis. Hannah Jones and Grace Westerman also had hits.
With the victory, Yates Center (18-3) advances to today’s 2-1A Regional Semifinal against Burlingame (16-3). Burlingame had no trouble defeating Lebo/Waverly, 10-0, in their opener.
First pitch for today’s semifinal will be at about 3:30 p.m. at Leon.
The winner will face either top seed Leon-Bluestem or Chase County this evening for the 2-1A Regional title, and a berth in next week’s state tournament in Pratt.
MARMATON VALLEY and Crest’s softball teams saw the start of postseason play washed out because of rain in Mound City.
The teams will begin 2-1A regional action today, with the tournament moved to Paola. The Wildcats play Marais des Cygnes Valley, while Crest plays Lyndon in Paola. Semifinals and final rounds were pushed back to Wednesday.
