EMPORIUM, Pa. (D9Sports) — Things looked bleak for the Clarion softball team following a 16-run loss to Cranberry May 8 that dropped the Lady Cats to 3-8 on the season.

(Photo: Sadie Rudesyle. Photo by Bri Nellis)

At the time, it could easily be asked if Clarion would even make the District 9 playoffs let alone have a chance to possibly make the PIAA playoffs.

What a difference 16 days make.

The Lady Cats advanced to the District 9 Class 1A semifinals with a 12-0 win at Cameron County Wednesday afternoon, the ninth consecutive victory for Clarion and a win that guarantees at least two more games for the Lady Cats, as District 9 takes three teams to the PIAA playoffs meaning at the worst Clarion will play in a consolation game.

But right now the focus is on making it back-to-back appearances in the D9 title game after sixth-seeded Clarion rolled to the victory at third-seeded Cameron County.

Sadie Rudesyle pitched a gem, perhaps throwing the best game of her young career and certainly her best game this season allowing one hit, a double to Alyvia McKimm while striking out 15 and not walking anyone in getting the shutout victory.

Offensively, Cora Zerfoss and Maya Thornton combined to go 8-for-10 with five runs scored and five RBIs.

Zerfoss, hitting leadoff, was 4-for-5 with a double, an RBI and four runs scored, while Thornton went 4-for-5 with a home run, a run scored and four RBIs.

Carly Best added a 3-for-5 day with a double, three runs scored and two RBIs, while Alexis Constantino was 2-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI and Sydney Kiser 3-for-5 with and RBI.

Clarion had 17 hits in the game and scored twice in the first and twice in the second before putting the game away with a five-run sixth and a three-run seventh.

Laila Smith took the loss allowing 12 runs, nine earned, on 17 hits and four walks while striking out five.

Clarion faces Coudersport in the semifinals at 4 p.m. Tuesday at St. Marys’ Benzinger Park.