STEPHENVILLE — The Cross Plains softball team outhit and outpitched two-time defending champion Jonesboro in the opener of its Class 1A state semifinal series Thursday at the Stephenville softball field.

Unfortunately for the Lady Buffaloes, that wasn’t enough due to miscues in the field and missed opportunities at the plate.

Standout pitcher Kenzie McLean limited the Lady Eagles to three hits (two of those bunt singles) and no earned runs in a complete-game gem. But four unearned runs left the freshman and her teammates on the losing end of a 4-3 tally and needing two wins Saturday to extend Cross Plains’ best season ever into the state finals.