1A North Region St. Michael Lady Cardinals won its third game, against one defeat against much larger 3A North Region schools on Tuesday afternoon.

St. Michael defeated the Ganado Lady Hornets, 9-2, in the non-region freedom game at Ganado High School's home field at Burnside Junction. St. Michael improved its season record to 10-4 overall.

St. Michael has split its game with Chinle, beating the Lady Wildcats at the Joseph City tournament. Chinle beat St. Michael in a freedom game on the Lady Wildcats' home field. St. Michael chalked up an impressive victory over the Tuba City Lady Warriors this past weekend in the Chandler Prep tournament, before today's win.

Today's winning pitcher, freshman lefthander Gabriella Simpson, was tough in the clutch in the pitching circle. Losing pitcher was Natalia Mescal, who threw two innings. Marissa Smith came in relief, throwing two innings. Anna Shepherd threw the final three innings.

St. Michael head coach Karen Tom said the Lady Cardinals came out swinging its bats and putting the ball into play.

"We came out strong and started connecting on our bats," Tom said. "Our defense was a bit sloppy, with dropped fly balls that were lost in the sun o players couldn't communicate on who was getting the ball. But overall, our bats were good. After regrouping, the girls were back on track and finished the game strong."

St. Michael tallied two runs in the first, second, fifth and seventh innings. The Lady Cardinals crossed the plate once in the sixth inning.

Ganado scored one run in the third and fourth innings.

"In the second inning, pitcher Maya Ross had a double play on a line drive to third base (her position) and she threw the runner out on first base, because she didn't tag up," Tom said.

Jessica Terry (triple first inning, single second inning, 1 RBI); Sunshine Burnside (double in second and fourth innings, 1 RBI); and Kalani Wilson (single in fifth and seventh inning) led St. Michael offensively. With one hit apiece for the Lady Cardinals were Maya Ross, Aurianna Quintana and Santana Dalgai (two RBI).