Natalie Klemann scattered three hits and allowed one unearned run in leading Apex to a 4-1 softball victory over West Johnston in the third round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4-A playoffs Wednesday.

The victory sends Apex against Middle Creek in the fourth round. Apex won the two teams' regular-season meetings, 2-0 and 7-2.

Apex started quickly, with Rebecca Pink reaching on a one-out triple in the first inning. Pink scored on a grounder by Samantha Slade, who was safe at first. Slade stole second and scored on a single by Kelsey Mancini for a 2-0 lead.

In the third inning, Amanda Higgins and Pink both produced singles, Mancini walked and Higgins was thrown out at the plate on a fielder's choice, but Melanie Kirchhoff drove in two runs with a double.

West picked up its lone run, in the sixth inning, on a walk and a throwing error.

West threatened in the fourth, loading the bases with no outs. One runner was thrown out at the plate. Another runner was picked off third base and the rally ended with a strikeout.

KLEEKAMP SHINES: Beth Anne Kleekamp struck out 10 and allowed just three hits in Middle Creek's 5-3 third-round win over Wilmington Laney.

"Our defense wasn't as good as it has been for some reason," Middle Creek coach Robbie Wray said. "But with Kleekamp in the circle, it's a big plus."

Middle Creek gave Kleekamp all the runs she needed with four runs in the first.

Sally Poole singled and, following a hit batsman and a walk, Ashley Watkins drew a walk to force in the first run.

Darby Pearce followed with a two-run single and another run scored on an error.

FUQUAY FALLS: Fuquay-Varina pitchers struck out 23 batters, but the Bengals fanned 22 times in a 1-0, 12-inning, third-round loss to New Bern.

Jordan Smith struck out 16 batters in eight innings for Fuquay and reliever Alex Ryan struck out eight.

New Bern scored the only run of the game after two Fuquay errors in the 12th.