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MIFFLINTOWN -- The second-seeded Indians and third-seeded Dragons squared off in the District 6 Class 3A semifinals Thursday evening. The implications were at its highest on the diamond, the winner moving on to the district championship next week and a berth into the state tournament on the line.
Juniata got the best of Central in a hard-fought matchup, scoring early and late to end the Dragons' season, 6-0.
Elizabeth Gaisior was her normal self in the circle, striking out 17 batters while only allowing two hits for the Indians. Regan Lowrey and Gaisior each had three hits, leading the way for their team at the top of the Juniata order. Madison Kennedy and Kennedy Hoyt each had a hit for Central.
"The best thing for me to do when I am in the box is just tell myself to calm down and relax. And I am really just focusing on making contact with the ball," Gaisior said.
The entire Juniata lineup had quality at-bats for coach Erin Cressman, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning to get the game started. Sophia Smith drove in two runners off a deep fly ball that came off the glove of Central's Kaylee Kensinger in right field.
"They're looking for something to drive...we knew that Lacey was a really good pitcher. So, we had to be patient and make her throw strikes," Cressman said.
Central settled down during the middle innings, senior Lacey Lynn did not allow any runs from the second through the fifth inning for the Dragons. However, Central had no answer for Gaisior and the Indians. The Dragons were only able to manufacture two baserunners, keeping it a relatively stress free game for Juniata's defense.
"They had a couple of hits. She had a couple of walks. But she (Lacey) had a solid performance," Dragons coach Johnathan Burket noted.
Juniata was able to add on some important insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth, putting the game virtually out of reach. The bottom of the lineup came through, getting on base for the Indians.
This occurred before Gaisior singled into center, clearing the bases. Juniata added three runs in the inning.
This marks the end of the road for the Central Dragons, who had an impressive 17-5 season, earning a third seed in the district tournament.
There is plenty more ball to be played for Juniata who with this win are headed to the District 6 Class 3A Championship next Thursday against Forest Hills at Saint Francis University. This also earns Juniata a spot in the state tournament for the first time in school history.
"I'm really excited. This is the first time Juniata has made it into states. So, that's really exciting," Gaisior said.
SCORE BY INNINGS
Central 000 000 0 -- 0-2-1
Juniata 300 003 X -- 6-9-0
Juniata WP: Elizabeth Gaisior, CG, 2H, 0R, 17K.
Central LP: Lacey Lynn, 6IP, 9H, 6R, 1BB, 7K
Central (0): Madison Kennedy 1-3, Alexis Fetzer 0-3, Lacey Lynn 0-3, Bralyn Ellis 0-3, Aubrey Rhodes 0-3, Maya Hazenstab 0-2, Kennedy Hoyt 1-2, Ashlyn Renner 0-2, Kaylee Kensinger 0-2.
Juniata (6): Regan Lowrey 3-4, Elizabeth Gaisior 3-4, Alexea Frontz 2-4, Savannah Marshall 0-3, Shay Armstrong 0-3, Sophia Smith 0-2, Mackenzie Lyter 1-3, Ava Lauver 0-3, Cheyenne Kirk 0-3.