Presented with the opportunity to sweep the White Oak Lady Roughnecks, the Mineola Lady Jackets took full advantage. They bombarded the White Oak side, 14-0, Friday in Winnsboro and became bi-district champions. They took game one on Thursday 13-3.

The Lady Jackets banged out 14 base hits, including solo home runs by Mahayla McMahon and Kali Chrietzberg. McMahon absolutely scorched a drive over the left field fence in the bottom of the third. Chrietzberg led off in the bottom of the fourth and ripped the first delivery high over the left-centerfield fence.

The two solos home runs added exclamation marks to an excellent day at the plate for Mineola. The Lady Jackets chased the White Oak starter after 1-1/3 innings. 

Mineola put up 10 runs in the second. They used every tool in the kitbag – infield base hits, bunts, smart base-running, a handful of singles and extra base hits. Caroline Castleberry’s triple and Jadelyn Marshall’s double drove in six runs in the rally.

When not finding gaps in the White Oak defense, Mineola was simply putting the ball in play. Every Mineola batter either gained first on a free pass or put the ball in play. No Lady Jackets struck out in the game.    

There was certainly an edge to the manner in which Mineola played this series. It was evident when in the top of the first inning. Shortstop Kaitlyn McMahon fielded a sharply hit grounder and without hesitation gunned down a runner trying to score from third. 

Courtney Nguyen, seemingly always in perfect catcher form, took the throw securely and made the tag. 

In the fifth, leading by 14 runs, the infield forced the leading runner at third on consecutive plays in the field. The Lady Jackets played in the field aggressively and with intent. 

To cap the day off, shortstop McMahon fielded a ground ball moving toward second. She stepped on the bag for the force and pegged an accurate throw to first to complete the double play.  

On the mound, Journie Wilson faced only 20 batters in five innings. She gave up two hits, struck out three and issued no free passes. Her placement kept the Lady Roughnecks guessing throughout the game.  

The level of play elevates quickly from bi-district to area rounds. The Lady Jackets demonstrated that they have a playoff focus and they demonstrated it in the initial series against White Oak. 

The Lady Jackets take on Redwater for the area title with the first game on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in Winnsboro. Game two is noon Saturday in Winnsboro, with a third game to follow if needed.