Hayden scored nine runs in the first inning, then let the reserves have a chance to play as they wiped out Walker 12-2 in six innings in the Class 5A Area 11 Tournament at Mortimer Jordan.

The win puts the Wildcats into the third-place game against Curry on Saturday morning at 10, with the winner of that game getting an automatic berth in the North Central Regionals next week, and a shot at the host team in the tournament finals. The loss eliminated Walker.

Destiny Busby was 3-for-4, all singles, stole a base and scored three times. Caitlin Kirkland was 2-for-2, with both hits in the first inning including a bases-loaded triple. Meleah Hargett’s double also drove in two runs.

Starting pitcher Katie Parr mowed through the first five Viking batters, before coach John Simmons decided she had done enough and needed to rest for Saturday. Eighth-grader Sharley Miller went the rest of the way, striking out five while allowing just two hits, including an RBI double to designated player Tasia Phillips.