Like any good pitcher, MacKenzie Bieker stood to profit from strong protection and well timed hitting.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh’s junior hurler did her half within the Lancers’ 4-1 victory at Indian Creek on Thursday within the first spherical of the Johnson County match.

The hard-throwing right-hander yielded simply 5 hits to the Braves whereas hanging out 9 to assist Edinburgh avenge a 3-0 house loss to Indian Creek on April 24.

Edinburgh (10-10) certified to play at top-seeded Center Grove in a Saturday morning semifinal.

“Honestly, as a team I think we wanted it more, and we fought more for it,” Bieker stated. “There was much more teamwork, and we have been extra put collectively than what we have been final time.

“We were pretty much getting ready for this all week. I think it was more about advancing, but beating them was definitely a plus.”

The Lancers put three runs throughout within the high of the third inning thanks to 3 consecutive doubles from freshman leadoff hitter Kenna Streeval, junior Ailx Streeval and senior Gracie Crahown.

Indian Creek (7-12) countered with a run within the backside half of the fifth, beginning with Addison Shaub reaching first base on a Lancers fielding error. Singles by Delaney Jones and Hannah Emenhiser finally received the Braves on the board.

Edinburgh tacked on one other run within the seventh, Crawhorn’s one-out double to deep left scoring Kenna Streeval, who had delivered a single.

Jones, Indian Creek’s freshman pitching ace, surrendered eight hits and recorded 12 strikeouts. Kenna Streeval completed with three hits and Crawhorn added two for the Lancers.

Edinburgh coach Ben Taylor appreciated his squad’s resiliency, significantly that of Bieker.

“I think after the last game (against Indian Creek), the game being so close and being a great pitcher’s duel, I think that weighed on Mac a little bit,” Taylor stated. “I feel like she came out ready to get this one this time.”

Indian Creek stranded a complete of seven baserunners over the ultimate 4 innings, leaving the bases loaded within the backside of the fourth.