The runway was clear, the target was approved and acquired, and the Bombers were able to strike successfully.

Leading by just one run going into the bottom of the fifth inning, Palmerton put together the big inning it needed, scoring four runs to propel it to a 7-3 District 11 semifinal victory over Notre Dame Green Pond on Thursday.

The Bombers’ (20-4) bats looked good early as they scored three runs in the first.

Emily Baumgardt led off the inning with a single, and Megan Serfass got on after getting hit by a pitch. Megan Green - who has absolutely mashed this season - got the pitch she wanted and lifted the ball over the fence for a three-run shot, giving Palmerton a 3-0 advantage.

After the first, the Bombers’ bats went a bit cold as they were held scoreless for the next three innings. In the meantime, Notre Dame started to chip away. After scoring a run in the top of the first, the Crusaders added a run in the third as well.

In the top of the fifth is when things got really dicey for Palmerton.

Notre Dame started off the inning with a hit by pitch and bunt single, and two batters later was able to load the bases with just one out. But freshman pitcher Carly Gaffney never lost her composure, getting the next batter to go down swinging before ending the inning with a dribbler back to the circle to get out of the jam.

“Everyone was behind me, and getting out of that fifth inning not getting any runs really gave us momentum,” said Gaffney. “Then, when we were able to get some runs and get a bigger lead, I think then everyone settled down. I was able to locate my pitches better and throw harder with more confidence.”

Palmerton took advantage of the defensive momentum it created by getting out of the jam in the top of the fifth, and transferred that over to the hitting department.

Serfass got things going right away, slapping a triple to the left field fence. The Bombers were able to load the bases when Green received an intentional walk and Gaffney got on after a fielders’ choice.

Yesmine Olewine then delivered what was arguably the biggest hit of the game, knocking in two with a sharply hit double to center field to give Palmerton some breathing room at 5-2. The Bombers were able to add two more runs before the inning finally ended.

“I just wanted to be there for my team and give our pitcher some cushion, so she could be relaxed to finish the game out,” said Olewine. “I like the inside pitch. I look for that pitch when I’m deep in the count, and I saw it today and I was able to drive it.

“We worked hard all week to get our bats ready for today’s game, and we were able to come through.”

Gaffney retired the Crusaders in order in the sixth. In the seventh, Notre Dame tried to get things going when Caitlyn Frederick hit an inside the park home run to start the inning, but Gaffney once again was not fazed, setting down the next three batters to secure the win.

“Our hallmark on the year has been scoring in bunches, and that’s what we were able to do today,” said Palmerton head coach Robert Hock. “It was also big getting out of that jam in the fifth. That provided a spark for us. Then we were able to take advantage of that momentum.

“This season has just been such a pleasant surprise. Everyone has stepped up, from our talented senior and juniors to our youngsters, and obviously our talented freshman pitcher. It’s just been a great year, and we’re going to work hard to keep it going.”

LEADERS … Green led the way with three RBIs. Olewine, Serfass and Baumgardt each led the Bombers with two hits.

SEE YA … Senior power hitter Megan Green has been impressive this season, with a .488 average and 42 RBIs. Green’s three-run shot in the first was also a record-breaking swing, setting the all-time Palmerton single-season home run record with 12.

NEXT UP … Palmerton will face off with North Schuylkill on Tuesday in the District 11 3A championship at 4 p.m. at Northwestern.

Notre Dame 101 000 1 – 3 5 2

Palmerton 300 040 X – 7 7 1

Fabiano, Pavelko (7) and Singley; Gaffney and Green. W – Gaffney L – Fabiano. HR – Palmerton – Green (1st, two on); Notre Dame – Frederick (7th, none on)