MIFFLINBURG -- Preparation is often referred to as the key to success.

Mifflinburg softball is taking that message very seriously heading into the district playoffs.

"We have been preparing one game at a time," said Mifflinburg coach Mike Beckley. "We need to win these last couple of games and take that momentum into the playoffs."

Mifflinburg did just, that winning 7-1 Saturday against Susquehanna Valley League opponent Shikellamy.

"We have to play good solid ball these last three games," said Beckley.

Shikellamy, on the other hand, doesn't have the luxury of using games to prepare. At 9-9 (9-7 SVL), they are fighting for a chance to qualify for the playoffs.

"We have to get our confidence back," said Braves coach Diane Miller. "Our girls are just overthinking everything."

Confidence wasn't the problem at the start of the game, as leadoff batter Kami Heim roped a single into left field. Heim then advance on three passed balls to give the Braves an early lead.

"I didn't let the first inning get to me," said Wildcats pitcher Emily Crandell. "I knew we could get that run back."

The Wildcats (13-4, 12-3) got the run back and then some in the bottom of the third inning. Shikellamy pitcher Lisa Laboskie was able to get the first two hitters out, but then the Wildcats started a two-out rally, hitting four singles and drawing a walk.

Hannah Allison drove the first pitch of her at-bat into left field to get things rolling. Corrin Showalter then drew a walk. The Wildcats followed with three consecutive singles to plate three runners and take the 3-1 lead.

"We needed to pitch and rely on our defense," said Miller. "Sometimes you have to forget what happened and concentrate on the game."

In the top of the fourth, Shikellamy looked ready to get back some of its spark as catcher Samantha Davis drove a 2-2 offering into the left-center gap for a double. Davis would end up being stranded, as Crandell was able to get the next three hitters out.

"She knew what she had to do," said Beckley. "We didn't want to give any more runs away."

In the top of the sixth, the Braves came close to crossing the dish again. The Braves connected on back-to-back one-out singles. Beckley called time to discuss the situation and calm his girls down.