Triton Central grabbed the early lead over Hauser in the Class 2A Forest Park Semistate semifinal game Saturday morning but could not keep the Jets grounded.

A 4-run first inning for the Tigers was countered by a 6-run second inning by the Jets. Two more runs in the third created a 10-6 lead Triton Central could not overcome.

Hauser advanced to the semistate championship game Saturday night with a 10-7 victory. The Jets were defeated by 2A No. 1 North Posey, 10-0, in the title game.

Hauser starting pitcher Paige McDaniel was roughed up early, allowing four runs in the first inning but limited the Tigers to single runs over the next three innings while her team’s offense heated up. The junior allowed 11 hits and one walk while striking out four to earn the win.

Lillie Fillippinie and Brylie Couch combined to allow 10 Hauser hits and three walks. The sophomores had six strikeouts.

Madison Collins had a bases-clearing triple in the first inning and finished with four runs batted in for Triton Central (20-6).

Madi Peterson had three hits, a run scored and a run batted in.

Kyra Meister and Lucie Asher each had three hits for Hauser (25-8). McDaniel had a home run and drove in three runs.

Triton Central added a second sectional championship to its program history this season -- and secured the program’s first regional title. The roster had no seniors and just two juniors in the starting lineup Saturday.

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