The Ladycats enter today with a 1-0 series lead after defeating Monterey 3-1 in Thursday night’s Game 1 matchup.

Aledo used timely power hitting and another dominant pitching performance to take control of the series opener. Kayleigh Martin delivered a massive two-run home run in the bottom of the third inning before Breleigh Mayer added insurance with a solo shot in the fifth.

Inside the circle, Tempe Perry was outstanding from start to finish. Perry pitched all seven innings, recording four strikeouts while allowing just one run against a talented Monterey lineup. Several of her biggest strikeouts came in critical moments to shut down potential scoring opportunities and preserve the lead.

Now the pressure shifts squarely onto Monterey.

The Lady Plainsmen enter Game 2 as the designated home team facing elimination with their season on the line. Monterey finished district play 14-2 and entered the series after winning four playoff games to reach the fourth round.

Meanwhile, Aledo continues one of the most impressive stretches in Texas high school softball. The Ladycats finished district play undefeated at 13-0, earning their sixth consecutive district championship while extending their district winning streak to 66 straight games. The current senior class has never lost a district softball game.

The Ladycats previously survived a three-game Bi-District battle against Birdville before defeating Paschal in a winner-take-all Area Round matchup to reach the Regional Semi-Finals.

Today, they have an opportunity to take the next step toward Austin.

If Monterey forces a deciding Game 3, the series finale will begin approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of Game 2.

NTX Varsity Sports will have complete live coverage from the Hiley Mazda of Fort Worth Broadcast Table throughout today’s action at Holliday High School.