When the Helias Crusaders clinched their first berth in the state baseball playoffs since 2004, there were mixed emotions.
Excitement and relief.
"Being in the playoffs never gets old, playing when other people aren't never gets old," Helias coach Chris Wyrick said. "So that's exciting.
"But being the No. 1 seed, there's some extra pressure because you're expected to win."
Helias met those expectations with a 10-0 win over Marshfield for the Class 4 District 10 title last Wednesday in Waynesville. Today, the Crusaders (21-3) will host the Rock Bridge Bruins (21-6) in a 6 p.m. sectional contest at the American Legion Sports Complex.