St. Aloysius meets an old playoff foe today when Stringer visits Bazinsky Park.

Three years ago, the Lady Flashes and Red Devils clashed in a close playoff series won by Stringer. Game 1 of the best-of-three, second-round Class 1A series starts at 6 p.m. Game 2 and a third game, if necessary, will be played at Stringer Saturday at 4 p.m.

                                                                                                           

If you go

St. Aloysius vs. Stringer

Today

Stringer at St. Al, 6 p.m.

Saturday

St. Al at Stringer, 4 p.m.

(Game 3, if necessary, will follow Game 2)

                                                                                                          

A month ago, a second-round playoff berth did not seem plausible for St. Al. They were mired in an eight-game losing streak. Since April 10, the Lady Flashes (10-11) have won five out of their last six games. This includes a two-game sweep of University Christian, 9-2 and 8-3.

Pitcher Grace Franco said the turnaround started with defense.

“We’ve done a good job with our defense the past few games,” Franco said. “We’re not making a lot of errors and we’re also hitting the ball really good.”

St. Aloysius coach Gene Rogillio said his team will have to continue to play standout defense against a strong hitting club from Stringer.

“They have some very good hitters,” Rogillio said. “We have to be very cautious when they get on base, because they swipe second and third if given a chance. Our plan will be to keep them off the bases and, since the biggest improvement we’ve made has been our defense, we’ve got a good shot in this series.”

Stringer (12-6) has five batters hitting over .400. Ashley Valentine leads the pack with a .562 average along with 20 runs scored, 13 RBIs, two triples and two home runs. Teshia Jones hits .524 with 10 RBIs while Katlyn McCurdy bats .434.

In the pitching circle, Stringer will go with Santanna Davis, who is 9-5 with a 2.43 earned run average.

St. Al will counter with Franco, who is 8-4 with 47 strikeouts in 712⁄3 innings pitched. She is also hitting .297. Catcher Madison Heggins leads the team with a .340 average and 12 RBIs.

Freshman first baseman Allie Willis is next at .320 while second baseman Julie Mabry hits .275 with 13 runs scored.