SIOUX FALLS – Aberdeen Central hung with top-seeded Sioux Falls Lincoln for a pair of innings before the Patriots exploded for a dozen runs to cap off a 15-0 victory during the Class AA SoDak 16 softball playoffs Tuesday night.

“Our girls brought the energy they are known for bringing,” said Central coach Cassidy Schaar. “We held them scoreless in the first inning, which is something we have not done all year.”

However, Lincoln plated a pair of runs in the second inning, and then ended the game with 12 runs in the third frame. The Patriots had two doubles, two triples and a home run in the pivotal inning. Kierra Lubovich had a run-scoring double as well as a two-run homer in the contest.

Meanwhile, Madison Evans was in control on the mound. The Lincoln ace did not allow a single hit, walked a pair and recorded all nine outs on strikeouts.

“She definitely worked the zone better than most pitchers,” Schaar said. “She was in control on her pitches and kept her composure very well, even when she got deep in the count.”

The Golden Eagles did not win a game in their inaugural season, but improved substantially throughout the course of the year, according to Schaar.

“While our record does not reflect the strides these girls have taken, there is no other team I would rather be a part of. They are second to none when it comes to getting better each time they get to lace up their cleats, and not many coaches are lucky enough to say that,” Schaar said. “I am proud of my girls and the community that stands behind them.”

Aberdeen Central 000 – 0 0 8

Sioux Falls Lincoln 03(12) – 15 10 0

Kaylee Kiesow and Alivia Rottele; Madison Evans and Avery Dorman. 2B – Sioux Falls Lincoln, Kierra Lubovich, Katelyn Hamm. 3B – Sioux Falls Lincoln, Dilynn Severson 2, Evans. HR – Lubovich.