Today the best-of-three series shifts to Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, with Game 2 to begin at 3 p.m. Gatesville (28-9) must defeat Levelland (31-7) twice in a row to reach the regional finals.
Gatesville grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Randi Smith’s single drove in Rebecca Augeri, and junior ace Leib (20-9) - who allowed just three hits - preserved the edge into the sixth. That’s when Levelland used Gatesville’s only error, a double and a single to seize a 2-1 lead, and pitcher Katrina Johnson (11 strikeouts) retired the Lady Hornets in order in the seventh.
“We were up 1-0 but it should have been more,” Gatesville coach Michelle Bartch said. “When we put the ball in play good things happen. We have to be disciplined.
“I think if we come out tomorrow and win the first one we’ll have the momentum."
