The sign read "We will protect this house" and protect it they did.

The Lady Jacket (24-9) defeated Birdville (22-10) 3-1 in the second game of a three game series to advance to area against Denison next week. Cleburne won the first game Friday night 6-0.

Birdville, who allowed only 11 runs in district play, shut down the Lady Jackets until the fifth inning.

After Birdville executed a double play against Cleburne in the fifth, senior Amberly Waits singled into left field. Senior Janaye Richardson managed to get on base after a throwing error by the Lady Hawks. Senior Sam Oleksak singled to left scoring Waits. Sophomore pitcher Katie Cowan, who had been intentionally walked earlier, doubled into left center recording two RBIs. Sophomore Bailey Thigpen ended the inning with a ground out to third.

The Lady Hawks scored their lone run of the series in the sixth when catcher Tammy Kierig singled to score second baseman Chelsea Welch, who had singled earlier.

Leading the offense for the Lady Jackets was Oleksak with a triple, single and a RBI, Cowan with a double, Waits with two singles and freshman Kiley Beard with a single.

The Lady Jackets play Denison Thursday at Guyer High School in Denton. Game time is 7 p.m.