But having to battle in the losers’ bracket isn’t unfamiliar territory for Montoursville. They did so in districts, winning three games in four days.

“We can win our way back out of it like we did then (in districts),” Montoursville manager Travis Sheleman said after the Athens loss. “I’m not overly worried about it.”

Montoursville didn’t show any worries on Wednesday as the District 12 champions steamrolled Northeast Bradford in an elimination game, 11-1, to move to the losers’ bracket final on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

The Section 3 championship is scheduled for Friday at 5:30 p.m. at South Williamsport, with an if game if necessary on Saturday.

Alivia Frey of Montoursville throws out Aubrey Johnson of Northeast Bradford at first base in the third inning in South Williamsport. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Montoursville wasted no time getting started and scored five huge runs in the first inning to set the tone for Wednesday’s elimination game. Averie Sheleman opened with a double before Avery Bolsar and Sunny Robson had back-to-back walks. Myla Carey had a two-RBI single before Sophie Hoffman had a single.

After two groundouts, another single helped drive in the fifth run and Montoursville quickly was up, 5-0, before the third out was recorded.

“The girls played a great defensive game again today and Averie was able to strike out seven,” Sheleman said. “We were more patient at the plate which leads to more hits and runs.”

Sheleman struck out seven as noted with only two hits allowed, limiting what Northeast Bradford tried to do to get rallies going.

Northeast Bradford’s run came in the fourth inning with the game well decided.

Sunny Robson of Montoursville is safe at second base as Aubrey Johnson of Northeast Bradford tries to make they play in South Williamsport. Johnson dropped the ball and Robson went on to score on the third inning play. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Montoursville scored two runs in the third to go ahead 7-0 and added a run in the fourth for an 8-1 lead after Northeast Bradford cut the deficit to seven.

But two more runs in the fifth helped Montoursville increase its lead and Northeast Bradford never was able to answer back at the plate.

“The key though was our defense was able to bounce back from the last inning yesterday and have an error-free game today,” Sheleman said.

Averie Sheleman finished the game 2 for 2 with two runs scored, Avery Bolsar was walked and scored a run, Sunny Robson had a single and was walked while scoring twice, Myla Carey had two RBIs as she finished 1 for 1 with a walk and two runs scored, Hoffman went 1 for 2 with a run scored, Frankie Finick was walked and scored a run, Audrina Watson went 1 for 1 wtih a walk and scored a run and Carley Smith finished the game going 1 for 2 at the plate.

Myla Carey of Montoursville watch the ball fly into the field on her first inning 2-RBI single against Northeast Bradford in South Williamsport. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Averie Sheleman of Montoursville is safe a home as Ellie Alderfer of Northeast Bradford tries to make the tag in the first inning in South Williamsport. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Myla Carey of Montoursville catches a sharply hit ball in the first inning by Molly Callear of Northeast Bradford in South Williamsport. Montoursville won 11-1. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Averie Sheleman of Montoursville pitches in the first inning against Northeast Bradford in South Williamsport. Montoursville won 11-1. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette