New Palestine’s Aglaia Rudd reacts after hitting a double against Plainfield on Friday, April 8, 2022.
Tom Russo | Daily Reporter
INDIANAPOLIS — The Class 4A fourth-ranked New Palestine Dragons got the job done Monday night.
The Dragons overcame an early 1-0 deficit to upend the Southport Cardinals, 8-1, during the 4A Franklin Central Sectional 11 tournament quarterfinals and will advance into tonight’s semifinal round.
New Palestine (22-3-1) will face Perry Meridian (12-15) at 5:30 p.m. in the first of two semifinal games with top-ranked Roncalli (27-0) playing host Franklin Central (9-15) in the second contest at 7:30 p.m. Roncalli beat Warren Central 10-3 to move into the semifinals.
The championship game is scheduled for Wednesday night at 7 p.m.
The Dragons’ ninth consecutive win unfolded after they tied the game 1-1 in the top of the fourth.
New Palestine added another run in the fifth before plating six in the sixth.
The Dragons posted 11 hits, led by Aglaia Rudd’s 2-for-3 performance with a double, a sacrifice and four RBI.
Katie Hirschy (1-for-4) and Maddie Engle (1-for-4) each drove in a run apiece. Grace Paquette went 2-for-3 with a home run, a run scored and two RBI.
Allie Blum (1-for-4, stolen base), Paige Ernstes (1-for-3) and Sydney Oliver (1-for-3) each recorded hits for the Dragons.
Alaina Miller went 2-for-3 with three runs scored and a stolen base.
Alexa Holman earned the win, pitching six frames with three hits surrendered, three walks and four strikeouts. Katie Kottlowski pitched one frame with no hits allowed and three strikeouts.
New Palestine 8, Southport 1
New Palestine (22-3-1);000;116;0;—;8;11;0
Southport (6-17);100;000;0;—;1;3;x
HR: Grace Paquette (NP). 2B: Aglaia Rudd (NP).
WP: Alexa Holman (6.0 IP, 3 H, 4 K, 3 BB, 1 R, 1 ER).
