Arlington – Fireworks and birthday cake candles greeted junior Amberly Waits after Friday night’s win against district rival Aledo Lady Cats.

The fireworks were compliments of UTA's graduation celebration. The candles were for Wait's 17th birthday Friday.

The right fielder celebrated with what would be a game winning triple in Cleburne’s half of the third inning, giving the Lady Jackets a 1-0 lead..

Until the third inning, neither side had managed to reach base. In its half of the third, Aledo’s pitcher Whitney Canion walked, but was tagged out by second baseman Sam Olesak, who then threw to first for the double play, ending the Aledo threat.

In the top of the third, third baseman Chelsey Jordan struck out. Kala Taylor walked but was tagged out after right fielder Skye Stamey reached first on a fielder’s choice. Enter Waits. Waits, who was one for three at the plate, took two high inside pitches, one of which allowed Stamey to steal second. Waits struck at another high pitch and took another ball before connecting on a low inside pitch scoring Stamey.

“She pitched inside to me all night,” Waits said. “I just had to be patient and wait for my pitch.”

Freshman Katie Cowan struck out seven Aledo batters in the 1-0 victory.

“I am so proud of these girls,” head coach Teri Rabe said. “We’ve been at the batting cage all week. Amberley worked hard this week to improve her swing. She showed patience at the plate and it paid.”

The Lady Jackets face off against the Lady Cats at 2 p.m. Saturday for the second game of the three game series, with a third game following 30 minutes after the conclusion of the second game, if needed. Freshman Jenna Richardson will take the mound for the Lady Jackets.

“She’s (Richardson) ready. We all are,” Rabe said.