No-Hitter For North’s McLean

Lady Bulldogs Dominate Waxahachie 8-0 In Regional Semifinal Opener

Ashliegh McLean couldn’t have responded better for McKinney North in Thursday’s 8-0 softball win over visiting Waxahachie in Game 1 of a Region II-4A semifinal playoff series.

Chased from the mound after just two innings in her last outing, McLean no-hit the Lady Indians and faced just one batter beyond the minimum. She struck out five and walked two batters. McLean has signed to play for North Central Texas College next season.

McKinney North (27-7-2) travels to Waxahachie (27-12) for Game 2 at 7:30 p.m. Friday. If a third game is needed, the two teams will meet at 1 p.m. Saturday at Coppell High School.

The Lady Bulldogs defense suffocated the Lady Indians offense, not allowing a runner past first base. Leadoff hitter Dakota Flesher walked in the first and seventh innings, but she was erased on a fielder’s choice in each inning.

For North, freshman center fielder Haley Wagner made the play of the game with a defensive gem in the fourth. Her diving catch of a blooper in right center field kept McLean’s no-hitter alive. She also shined at the plate on the bases, going three-for-three, scoring three times, and stealing two bases.

Wagner, who recorded six outs in center, scored the game’s first run in the second when umpires called interference on Waxahachie’s third baseman. Trying to score from second on Lindsey Post’s single, Wagner collided with the infielder just off the bag and advanced to the plate on the ruling.

The play led to three more runs. Kathy Shelton scored on a fielding error and Meagan Knowles’ single to left field brought home Post and Amy Kilpatrick.

Wagner pushed the lead to 5-0 in the fourth when she singled, stole second, and scored on a throwing error. She led off the sixth with another hit and eventually scored on Kilpatrick’s single off the third baseman’s glove. Knowles brought home two more runs when her liner to right field was overplayed.

The outcome was redeeming for McLean, who surrender five runs off seven hits in the first two innings of the Lady Bulldogs’ decisive 12-5 Game 3 win over Mesquite Poteet on Saturday in the regional quarterfinals.