Tenth-seeded O'Connor softball was two innings away from its season ending Wednesday night against 4th-seed Xavier Prep.

The Eagles, however, displayed determination, clawing to tie the game in the sixth inning and securing the win with a four-run outburst in the seventh in a 6-2 victory in the 6A state tournament at Mesa High School.

O'Connor 's win forces a decisive game and rematch vs. Xavier on Thursday night for the Pool A title. Game time is 7 p.m. at Mesa High.

After tying Xavier in the top of the sixth using a single, walk, sacrifice and RBI groundout (by Rachel Davis), O'Connor set up a tense seventh-inning. O'Connor batted around in the seventh.

Zoey Kuhl, hitting in the 8th spot, singled to begin the rally. A perfect bunt by Keygan Robinson (2 for 2) meant to be a sacrifice followed, but instead was an infield hit.

Leadoff hitter Sydnee Williams then broke the 2-2- tie with a triple to the right-field corner. After another bunt single, this one from Raegan Holtorf, Avery Gourlay capped a 3-for-4 effort with a two-run double making it 6-2.

O'Connor coach Melissa Hobson praised her team for its poise.

"We didn't let a bad strike zone affect us," Hobson said. We stayed mentally tough, and stuck to our game plan."

O'Connor freshman pitcher Maci Jones threw a complete game and stayed unbeaten. She improved to 8-0. Jones allowed six hits, walked two and struck out eight. 

"Maci kept her composure and I credit our veteran catcher (Charleigh Schuettler) for that," Hobson said. 

In the other 6A state tournament game at Mesa High on Wednesday, Queen Creek and Pinnacle battled for 10 innings with Queen Creek taking a 1-0 victory.