Fatima defeated California, 7-2, on Monday to advance to Tuesday’s Class 3, District 5 championship game at Blair Oaks against the host Lady Falcons.

“This was a good win,” said Coach Ashlee Schnieders. “We did a great job in the circle and scoring early. We did the little things right, played good defense, and took a lot away to prepare for the championship game.”

The Lady Comets hit an offensive stride in the second inning with the first of six runs over three frames to set the tone against California.

In the second, Lilly Cunningham walked and moved to second on a sacrifice by Eva Wildhaber (1-2). Megan Gabelsberger delivered a two-out double to plate Cunningham for a 1-0 lead.

Fatima’s offense continued in the third. Kinzey Woody (1-2, RBI) led off with a double to left field, and Mia Kliethermes (3-4) hit a single but went to second on the throw. Woody advanced to third.

Anna Struemph entered as a courtesy runner for  Kliethermes, and with Kristen Robertson (2-4, 3 RBI) at the plate, Woody scored on a passed ball to make it 2-0. Robertson reached on an error that allowed Struemph to score. Cunningham sacrificed herself to plate Robertson for the Lady Comets’ fourth run.

In the fourth, Elise Dickneite (1-4) ripped the ball to center field for a triple to set up Fatima’s next scoring opportunity. Dickneite came home on a grounder by Woody.

Kliethermes continued the rally with a two-out double, and she scored when Robertson hit a double of her own.

After California scored two in the top of the sixth, the Lady Comets responded with an insurance run in the bottom. Woody walked, and Kliethermes singled with one out, setting the table for Robertson, who sent a line drive to center for a single as Woody scored on the throw.

Sydney Scheppers added two hits and an RBI to the tally, and Madelyn Backes finished with a single.

Kliethermes pitched most of the game, striking out 10 and walking none with no earned runs on two hits in 5.2 innings. Ava Heckemeyer, in 1.1 innings, gave up two earned on four hits, with two strikeouts and two walks.

In the district opener, Fatima knocked off Eldon, 10-3, winning the hitting battle 13-6.

Gabelsberger had three hits with a pair of RBI. Cunningham (double, 2 RBI) and Woody (HR, RBI) posted two hits apiece, as Dickneite (2 RBI), Backes (RBI), Marlee Oliver, and Maci Wilbers each added a hit. Struemph also had an RBI.

Kliethermes allowed no earned runs on two hits over four innings, with five strikeouts and three walks. In three innings of relief, Wildhaber gave up two earned runs on four hits, with four strikeouts and a walk.

A report from the championship game will be presented next week.