A 6-run bottom of the first inning gave the Sauk Rapids-Rice softball team (8-12) the edge it needed to defeat the Alexandria Cardinals 8-2 on Saturday in Sauk Rapids.

The highlight of the day for Alexandria (9-9) came in the top of the seventh inning as Lauren Hornstein hit a solo home run.

Hornstein led the Cardinals' offense on Saturday as she had two of the Cardinals' six hits on the day.

Alexandria begins the Section 8-3A Tournament on Tuesday. The section tournament bracket has yet to be revealed.