by Chris Pfaff, Xavier Sportswriter

The #4 Xavier Gators defeated the #5 Tucson Badgers 3-1 in the second round of the 6A State Softball Tournament Wednesday on Xavier Petznick Field.

The first one and a half innings produced zeros on the scoreboard. A significant weather delay of more than half an hour postponed the start of the Gator half of the second inning. After the players warmed up again, it was time for the Xavier offense to take center stage.

During the second inning, Xavier loaded the bases a few times but capitalized only once. With the bases loaded, right-handed batter Leah Jollineau pushed a hard ground ball to the right side of the infield, forcing the Badger second baseman to make a spectacular diving stop and a difficult throw to first base while lying on the ground.

Please appreciate the athleticism of the Badger second baseman as you watch the following video clip (with slow motion) and note that Xavier scored a run. Xavier 1-0.

Xavier — actually, pitcher Angie Falls — gave Tucson no opportunity to tie the score in the top of the third inning: one strikeout-looking, sandwiched between two strikeouts-swinging.

The score remained 1-0 in favor of Xavier until the Gator offense made some noise in the bottom of the fifth inning.

With runners on first and second, freshman pitcher/second baseman Sydney Root smacked a long RBI single off the left-field fence. Because the base runners had to wait to see if the left fielder would catch the ball, the hit led to a dramatic play at home plate. The runner was safe. Xavier 2-0.

Notice the contrasting levels of excitement between the two distinct roars of the crowd in response to the dramatic play at the plate: (Slow motion included)

Tucson gifted Xavier’s third run later in the fifth inning. The bases were loaded with one out when, unfortunately, a Gator batter struck out, changing the scenario to bases loaded with two outs. McKenna Hackett was batting when the Badger catcher overthrew third base while trying to pick off Molly Frazier, who had come off the base far enough to draw the catcher’s attention. Molly scores. Xavier 3-0.

Tucson managed to score in the top of the sixth inning. Xavier 3-1.

If the Diamondbacks need a closer, I have an idea. Watch Angie close out the Badgers in the top of the seventh inning: Tucson’s last chance to force Xavier to bat the bottom of the inning.

Xavier plays #1 Queen Creek tonight in the Semifinals at Mesa High School in the east valley. First pitch at 7:00 pm. The victor advances to a May 14 semifinal.

Because this tournament is double-elimination, the losing team can advance to the semifinals by winning a May 13 Quarterfinal.