Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Softball

Mike Randleman – Faribault Daily News

An oft-used cliche is that it’s hard to beat a team for the third time.

It need not apply to the Buccaneers.

The Waterville-Elysian-Morristown beat visiting United South Central 10-0 in six innings in Monday’s Section 1A West playoff opener.

“We had beat USC twice this season but we knew that didn’t mean anything heading into playoffs,” said WEM coach Crystal Lamont. “We took advantage of some walks and had some timely hits. Trista [Hering] was solid on the mound and also helped herself offensively.”

After a scoreless first, Hering singled to score Megan Adank for the first run of the game.

Hering further helped her cause with a two-RBI single in the third to cap a four-run inning.

Adank also had two hits and a double for the team’s lone extra-base hit.

Hering was lights out in the circle. She struck out 11, walked none and scattered three hits.

USC’s best shot to pull close came in the top of the fourth inning down 5-0. The Rebels were fruitless with runners on first and second base with one out and second and third with two outs.

WEM is now onto the double elimination portion of the section tournament. It will host No. 3 seed Bethlehem Academy (9-5) 5 p.m. Tuesday. The Cardinals won 6-5 May 3 in Waterville.

BA came back to beat No. 6 Glenville-Emmons/Alden-Conger 14-10 Monday in Faribault to advance.

“We are in the double elimination now so that takes a little pressure off,” Lamont said. “We are familiar with BA and them with us so it will come down to who is able to execute. BA has built a good program and will be a good test for us tomorrow night.”

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown 10, United South Central 0 (6 innings)

U — 000 000 X

W — 014 212 X

WEM hitting — Trista Hering 2-3, 3 RBI; Megan Adank 2-3, 2 R, RBI, 2B, BB; Maddy Meskan 1-3, RBI, BB; Makayla Paulson 1-1, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB; Allison Rients 1-4, 2 R, BB; Hailie Tegmeier 0-1, R, 3 BB; Nicole Nuetzman 0-3, BB

WEM pitching — Hering (W) 6IP-3H-0ER-0R-0BB-11SO