A lightning delay and waiting on the umpires’ arrival pushed back the start of the Lady Wildcats’ Class 5A Lower State playoff opener Friday at Ashley Ridge.

Once the contest started, the Lady Wildcats were ready to take care of business.

Getting 12 strikeouts from Allie Light and a tie-breaking 2-run homer by Sarah Gordon, they advanced to the winner’s bracket with a 4-2 win over the Lady Swampcats.

Lexington took a 2-0 lead early with a runner scoring on a passed ball and an RBI double by Peri Roulliard. After Ashley Ridge tied the game, Gordon answered with a 2-run sho over the leftfield wall.

The Lady Wildcats (22-3) will now travel to South Florence, a 3-2 winner over Cane Bay. Should the Lady Wildcats win, they will play host to the Lower State final on Friday

Battery Creek 1, Gilbert 0

Emily Crosby’s RBI single in the Bottom 6th was the difference in the loss, which snapped the Lady Indians’ 19-game winning streak.

Alexis Ortiz struck out 15 batters and allowed just 2 hits for the Lady Dolphins. Savana Rosson struck out 7 and allowed 2 hits, but gave up a 2-out double by Kelsey Hill and walk to Journeigh Dorey that set up Crosby’s game-winner.

Gilbert (19-3) will travel Monday to the loser of Saturday’s Aynor/Hanahan contest.

Central 5, Batesburg-Leesville 3

A 2-0 lead by the Lady Panthers was erased by the Lady Eagles, who advanced to the winner’s bracket game on Monday.

Kiara Quattlebaum’s RBI single put Batesburg-Leesville (15-6) on the board in the Top 2nd. During her hit, an error allowed a 2nd round to score for the Lady Panthers.

Central answered back with 4 unanswered runs. Jaylah Barr hit an RBI fielder’s choice to bring Batesburg-Leesville to within 4-3 in the Top 6th, but the Lady Eagles added insurance in the bottom half of the inning.

Hannah Killough struck out 11 to pick up the victory for Central (22-3).

The Lady Panthers will travel Monday to Abbeville, a 10-0 loser to Ninety-Six.

SATURDAY’S HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PLAYOFF SCHEDULE 

Airport at South Aiken noon

Aynor at Gilbert 1 p.m.

Summerville at River Bluff 1 p.m.

Dutch Fork at St. James 5 p.m.

Gray Collegiate at Oceanside Collegiate (at Collins Park in North Charleston) 6 p.m.