NEW PALESTINE — The top-ranked Class 4A New Palestine Dragons are going four it.
With three consecutive 3A state championships seized from 2017-19, the unbeaten Dragons took the first step in their pursuit of a first-ever 4A state title in program history with a five-inning, 19-1 victory over Perry Meridian (6-19) on Monday.
The Dragons’ (28-0) run-rule, quarterfinal victory advances them into a rematch with 4A No. 2 Roncalli (25-2) today at 5:30 p.m. in the Sectional 11 semifinals at New Palestine.
New Palestine defeated Roncalli, 4-0, at home during the regular season on May 1.
Against Perry Meridian, New Palestine built a 7-0 lead after the first inning, behind a two-run double by Grace Paquette, a two-run home run by Allie Blum and an inside-the-park home run from Kendal Calvert.
The margin grew to 11-0 after two innings and the Dragons put the game away in the fourth inning with an eight-run frame.
Calvert finished 3-for-4 with two home runs, three RBI and three runs scored. Blum went 4-for-4 with five RBI, two home runs, a triple and three runs.
Paquette went 3-for-4 with three runs, a double, a triple and four RBI. Alexa Holman gave the Dragons five home runs, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and three runs scored.
Alaina Miller had a double, finishing 3-for-3 with two runs scored. Aglaia Rudd went 1-for-4 with an RBI. Lexi Campbell was 1-for-4 with a run. Sydney Oliver was 1-for-3 with a run and an RBI.
Delaney Barton was 2-for-2 with a run, a double and an RBI.
Sam Booe earned the win in the circle, pitching 2.1 innings with no hits allowed, two walks and three strikeouts. Katie Kottlowski threw 1.2 innings of three-hit softball with three strikeouts. Holman went one inning with three strikeouts.
