Linn needed just 4.5 innings to put away Russellville in Monday’s Class 2, District 3 semifinal at South Callaway.

“We got off to a sluggish start but found our rhythm as the game got going,” said Coach Ryan Rost, his team taking a 6-1 lead after the first. “I was pleased with our hitting. Any time you can score that many runs, good things happen. We just need to keep bringing our bats and carry this momentum into the championship game.”

That game was played at 5 p.m. Tuesday and will be presented next week.

In Monday’s contest, Linn counted 15 hits and as many RBI.

The Lady Cats tacked on five in the second to lead 15-6, effectively putting the game away with a nine-spot in the third.

Kenzy Hackmann (RBI) and Sophie Voss (2 RBI) produced three hits apiece, as Emma Monnette (4 RBI), Elli Dudenhoeffer (2 doubles, 3 RBI), and Hannah Hackmann (2 RBI) each had two, and Kiana Hostetler (double, 2 RBI), Katlyn Starke, and Ava Warren finished with a hit each.

Warren started the game and threw one inning, allowing six earned runs on six hits, with a strikeout and three walks. Voss closed the game with no runs on one hit, six strikeouts, and a walk.

Linn earned the top seed and a first-round bye.