WORCESTER, Mass. - The St. Paul softball team beat Marshfield 4-1 on Monday in the MIAA Division 1 state playoffs.

The Knights were led by Bella Mara, who had 15 strikeouts in the circle and went 3 for 3 at the plate with a triple and an RBI, while Kate McGowan was 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI.

"I think we came out strong. We came out with energy," St. Paul captain Claire Murphy said. "We had one good inning where our bunts were on fire, and I think once we're up, we stay up. And in the field, our fielding was clean. I think overall, it was a really good team win."

"I'm so happy that we won today and we get to move on and take our next steps," McGowan said. "It's amazing having this team. It's not like an older team; it's a mixture of all grades, which I think is really great because we get to play for the older girls, but also the younger girls get to look up to people."

St. Paul will travel to Wachusett for a 4 p.m. D-1 quarterfinal Friday. For the full tournament bracket, visit the MIAA website.