If there is to be post-season softball for your Lady Dragons in 2019 you may very well look back on tonight's game vs. Fossil Ridge as the reason why. The tension was thick in the air as both teams took the field tonight. The Lady Dragons held just a half game lead for the final playoff spot entering play this evening based on their first half victory over the Panthers earlier in district play.

A win would put the ladies in a comfortable position. A loss however would create all kinds of crazy scenarios. The game started off comfortably enough as the Lady Dragons leapt out to a 4-0 lead after 3 1/2. But the home standing Lady Panthers would make it a game that would cause hyper-ventilation. The Lady Dragons saw at one point a 6-1 lead dwindle to 6-5 and the Panthers load the bases in the home 6th, with just a skinny one out.

Kelly Shackelford walked the tight rope however and the Dragons still lead by one entering the game's final stanza. They could not muster any more offense in the top half of the 7th so the season hung in the balance going into the bottom 7th. Fossil Ridge would put their lead off girl on first. Shackelford then induced a strikeout but on the 0-2 pitch the runner broke for 2nd and reached safely. So the tying run was at 2nd with one out. Shackelford then induced a routine ground ball to shortstop, an easy flip to first could have left Ridge in a situation with the tying run on 3rd and two outs. But, wait - is that the third base coach whipping her arm? Here comes the tying run around 3rd - here comes the throw - the whole season rides right here. Dust in the air and everyone waits. She's out at home - the game's over and your Lady Dragons now have a strangle hold on 4th place - essentially up 2 full games over Fossil Ridge with three to play.

The 6-5 final thrust the Lady Dragons into a situation where they can now potentially eye third place Guyer heading into the season's final week. The win tonight went to Shackelford in the circle who tossed the final three innings of relief. The Dragon offense was lead by Piper Harness with three hits. Madison Cashon and Brooke Martin also had a pair of hits. Your Lady Dragons are now 5-6 in district play and 18-11 overall.

Up next the Lady Dragons take on Keller Central at home on Friday, April 9th at 7pm. This is Elementary School Night.