Slow starts in recent games have been a bit of an affliction for the Helias Crusaders.
With the one-and-done format of the district tournament starting Saturday, it was as good a time as any to shake that bad habit.
"Six runs in the first inning is a really good start," Helias coach Chris Wyrick said after the Crusaders used that big frame to spark themselves to an 11-0 win in five innings Thursday over the Sedalia Smith-Cotton Tigers at the American Legion Sports Complex in Jefferson City.