Rain seemed to be the only thing that could stop the Hayfield softball team, as the host Vikings almost won the Hayfield Invitational before bad weather stopped their championship game with Zumbrota-Mazeppa Saturday. Lyle/Pacelli took fourth after losing in the third place game to Southland.

Lyle/Pacelli looked strong in its opener, jumping all over Kingsland by the score of 7-1. They banged out 10 hits, including doubles from Rebecca Mino and Carmen Smith. Louise Mudra got the start, scattering three hits over her complete-game effort.

L/P's next opponent would be its hosts from Hayfield, who had a bye in the first round. L/P was not able to keep pace with the Viking offense, which put up three runs in the third and four more in the fourth to overcome an early 3-1 L/P lead. Hayfield won 8-3.

Cassie Kraetsch went the distance for Hayfield, allowing six hits while striking out six. Her counterpart Mudra surrendered 11 hits and two walks while recording five strikeouts.

Hayfield’s Jesse DeMaria was a perfect 3-for-3 in the game with a double and four runs driven in. Alyssa Nelson chipped in two more RBIs with a 2-3 afternoon.

The Vikings advanced to play Zumbrota-Mazeppa in the championship, but inclement weather forced them to call the game after two innings with the score tied at 1. The game will not be made up.

Zumbrota-Mazeppa reached the championship game by defeating LeRoy-Ostrander/Grand Meadow, 7-3, in the opener and Southland, 6-4, in the semifinals.

Southland topped L/P 16-1 in the consolation game.

Nicki Svoboda spelled Mudra for L/P, pitching a complete game in a losing effort.

Hayfield will hit the road for a makeup game with Kenyon-Wanamingo this afternoon, while L/P travels to Houston for a Southeast Conference matchup. Southland will be in action Tuesday at St. Charles.