The SJS Mavericks opened South Zone play in San Antonio by defeating the Crusaders from St. Andrew's 1-0.  In what proved to be a true pitchers duel, the Mavs Laura Burdine proved to be tougher than Taylor Ford from St. Andrew's.  Both teams made stellar plays on defense through the first 5 innings of play. 
In the top of the sixth centerfielder Savannah Erwin reached first on a perfect drag bunt with no outs.  Her sister, Emma, then moved Savannah over to second on a perfectly placed sacrafice bunt.  Three hole hitter Angela Ha then came up.  After fouling off 5 straight pitches, Angela moved Savannah over to third on a fielders choice play.  Two outs and the go ahead run on third...Savannah took full advantage of the Crusaders passed ball and scored the lone run of the game.
The Mavs did have to answer though with tough defense in the bottom of the sixth.  The Crusaders did manage to get runners to second and third with no outs.  The Mavs answered the challenge remembering the words from Coach Muschalik that they would have to "not just play hard, but play smart."
Getting a ground ball "look back play" throw them out at first from third baseman Caroline Melo for the first out proved huge for the Mavs.
Pitcher Laura Burdine then struck out the next two batters on 8 pitches to end the lone threat from St. Andrew's.
Offensively Laura had two hits, Savannah, Angela Ha, Emily Cain and Allie Adkins all had hits.  In addition, Laura had a season high 10 K's and no walks for the win.

Final Score:
Mavericks 1
Crusaders 0