Celina has scored 13 runs in each of its last three games: first against Waxahachie, which shared the District 15-4A title, and then twice in the playoffs against Kennedale.

Junior third baseman Brittanie Knowles hit .750 (9-for-12) during that stretch, with two doubles, four runs scored and 10 RBIs. Junior shortstop Joey Cronin hit .714 (5-for-7), with five runs scored and four RBIs. Celina (23-10), the state's ninth-ranked 3A team, hopes its roll continues in a Region II quarterfinal series against Royse City (25-6) starting today.

Led by Marisa Malazzo and strong pitching, Coppell reached the regional quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.

The sophomore infielder is hitting .563 with three doubles and a triple in the playoffs. And pitchers Kellie Spann and Laura Ramos have allowed one earned run in four games.

"I've got two pitchers that are doing great and an offense to back it up," coach Katie Krug said.

But Coppell (23-11) faces Justin Northwest (23-8) this week. Northwest, led by Brittany Barnhill, eliminated Coppell in the first round last season.

Barnhill now pitches for Texas. Still, Northwest has pitcher Erinn Jayjohn, who has earned both playoff wins and led the team in the regular season with a .487 batting average.

Even though it's her first time in the playoffs, Red Oak's Tara McKenney hasn't shown signs of jitters.

The sophomore shortstop is hitting .429 (6-for-14) with a home run and a triple in the playoffs. She has three RBIs and has scored five times, including the winning run against Brownwood in the first round.

"Her game hasn't surprised me," coach Johnny Jones said. "We kind of have grown to expect it from her."

But this week's opponent knows McKenney pretty well. Red Oak (20-8) faces Waxahachie (25-10) in the 4A Region II quarterfinals. They split their two games in District 15-4A.

Mesquite's Kylie Gillean doesn't start, but she still contributes to the team.

Gillean dressed up as a Skeeter, the team's mascot, for player introductions before a tense Game 3 against Plano last week. Mesquite won, 8-2.

Coach Blake Shuttlesworth said Kylie and her sister Kirstie always keep the team loose.

"Those two girls are hilarious," he said. "They bring a lot to the team with their spirits."

Mesquite (26-9) takes on Plano East (29-5-2) in the 5A Region II quarterfinals in a best-of-3 series starting today at Rockwall.