Courtesy photo The Gladstone Major Girls’ Little League All-Star team walks off the field to high fives from manager Rick Pepin during a Central Regional quarterfinal game against Marion County, Ky. Thursday in Fishers, Ind. Gladstone plays in the semifinals today at 2 p.m.

FISHERS, Ind. — Gladstone’s Major Girls’ Little League All-Stars (age 11-12) wasted little time gaining the upper hand here Thursday in a 12-4 softball triumph over Marion County, Ky. in a Central Regional quarterfinal contest.

The victory enabled Gladstone to advance to the semifinals against Central Iowa today at 2. The championship game follows at 5.

Gladstone scored six times in the first inning and added three runs in the second for a 9-3 advantage over Marion County.

“Our bats exploded in the first inning,” said Gladstone manager Rick Pepin. “We had four of our 11 hits, got a couple walks and hit by a pitch. That was the ideal start for us. Then, in the second inning we gave them life right back. It started with an error, a walk, two hit batters in a row. They scored three runs on one hit and the next thing you know it’s 6-3 and they’re back in the game. We answered the bell in the bottom of the second and got the momentum back.”

Gladstone added two runs in the third and one in the fifth.

“One thing about our girls is they put their foot on the gas and play so determined,” said Pepin. “They got a run in the third, then we shut them down in the last three innings. Part of the reason why we shut them down is Alli Larson made two great catches in left field. She absolutely robbed them of a couple runs and took away any chance they had of gaining momentum. Also, Lauren Sundquist made two hustle plays on foul balls behind the plate and Tia Schone had five more put-outs at shortstop, which really helps your pitcher out.”

Montgomery Pepin tossed a two-hitter, struck out four, walked three and hit two batters.

“Montgomery continues to stay focused,” said manager Pepin. “She always seems to be in control of her emotions. She and Lauren just do a great job with their strike zones and attack the hitters. They’re a great combination.”

Addie Trombley collected three hits for Gladstone and Maggie Buckley added two hits. Sundquist had a hit and scored four times. Pepin clubbed an RBI triple in the second and Morgan Dawley, who was treated for dehydration at a local hospital Wednesday night, drilled a two-run double in the opening frame.

“That was a hard night for Morgan,” said manager Pepin. “For her to come back and hit that double today, it couldn’t happen to a better kid.

“Our bats are hot at the right time. We had 11 today and 22 in the last two games.”