Cascade catcher Aimee Taylor puts the tag on Boyd Christian baserunner Cassie Wanamaker trying to score on a two-out base hit in the second inning. (T-G Photo by Jimmy Jones) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

CHAPEL HILL -- Tiffany Gibbs and Lauren Claxton combined for seven hits, including five for extra bases, eight RBIs and four runs scored, to lead second-seeded Cascade to a 13-2 win over Boyd Christian in round two of the District 9-A tournament at Forrest High School on Saturday afternoon.

Cascade (16-7) scored a run in the first inning on a two-out RBI triple by Gibbs, but the lead was short-lived as the Lady Broncos put up a two spot on four consecutive hits by Donna Wells, Sara Buckner, Alea Mayes and Kelsey Yoes to establish a 2-1 advantage.

It would be Boyd Christian's last sustained rally. Lady Champion pitcher Leigha Carter allowed only two hits the rest of the way.

"We came out a little sluggish but really played an outstanding game after we snapped out of it," Cascade coach Jeremy Austin said. "We had challenged the girls to get out to a quick start; it just took us a little longer than we expected to put some runs on the board."

The Orange and Black took control of the game with three runs in the third on hits by Lohay, Gibbs and Hornberger and were aided by two defensive miscues at key moments of the rally.

The Lady Champs scored three runs in the fifth with the big blow being a double by Gibbs. Carter then set the visitors down in order to set up a five-run sixth inning.

Lohay, Gibbs and Carter started the inning with hits and Claxton put an end to the proceedings with a scorching triple to the center field wall to invoke the mercy rule and advance her team to a showdown tonight at 8 against the top-seeded Forrest in the winners' bracket finals.

Gibbs led the way offensively with four hits, while Claxton contributed three. Lohay had two hits and two runs scored. Mary Jett reached base four times and touched home plate twice.

Carter went the distance, allowing two runs while striking out five and scattering six hits. She did not walk a batter.

Cassie Wanamaker took the loss for Boyd Christian. She gave up 13 hits, walked four and hit a batter in her complete-game effort. The all-district performer was hurt by six errors committed behind her that allowed eight unearned runs.

"We are playing well as a team at a very good time of the year," Austin said. "We are hitting the ball and playing good defense. I like our chances at this point of the season."