NOXAPATER — The Cathedral Lady Wave softball team picked up a crucial road victory Monday night against Noxapater in the first round of the MHSAA Class 1A softball playoffs.

The Lady Wave, who trailed 3-2 at one point in the game, rallied to score three runs in the fifth inning and four in the seventh to put the game away and seal a 9-3 win.

“It took us a while to get started, but we finally came around and got some good hits with people on base,” Cathedral head coach Gary Blackwell said. “I think we had to get those nerves out of the way. I’ll admit I was a bit nervous, too.”

Marty Lewis anchored the team on the mound, pitching all seven innings and striking out nine.

“She was just hitting all of her pitches,” Blackwell said. “Her rise ball and drop ball were working good.”

Lewis also helped herself out at the plate, recording two hits and knocking in two runs.

Elizabeth Smith also had a big night at the plate recording a double and triple and knocking in four runs for the Lady Wave.

Baylee Graning and Grayson Bryant also recorded two hits in the contest.

Blackwell stressed the importance of the win, especially now that Cathedral returns home for Game 2 scheduled for today.

“On the road it is very important to get that first one out of the way and not put pressure on you when you come home,” he said. “(Home field) is a big advantage especially after getting that win. Home field has been good to us all year.”

Blackwell said he is unsure of who will pitch for the Lady Wave today, but believes Elizabeth Smith will get the start in Game 2.

If the series is forced to go to a third game, it will be played directly after the second game tomorrow and Blackwell said he is confident his team will be able to handle business.

“I’m really confident,” he said. “Just like tonight, we started slow and even got behind at one time, but they’ve been able to hang in there all year long. I’ve got a lot of confidence.”