Republic quickly dispensed with its first-round district opponent in the post-season opener, winning 16-0 over Springfield Central. The Lady Tigers needed just two turns at bat, scoring six runs in the bottom of the first and ten more in the bottom of the second.
A.J. Fenske, Republic’s leading hitter, added three more base hits. Kaitlyn Ragsdale stole two more bases to run her career total to 147, tying her with Paige Eddington of Doniphan for fourth all-time in Missouri.
Republic benefited from multiple Bulldog errors to put the game out of reach quickly. Mara Lakey picked up the win with just two innings of work, and Fenske worked the third inning to close out the game.
Republic plays in the district semifinal Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.