Varnado’s Wildcats suffered a 9-0 loss to Sacred Heart in the bi-district round of the Class 1A state playoffs Thursday.

The Wildcats hung tough, as it was just one rough inning that made the game lopsided.

Sacred Heart, which is located about 25 minutes from Opelousas, led 1-0 after one inning of play, but added seven runs in the second frame to jump out to an 8-0 advantage.

The game’s final run came in the fourth inning to reflect the final score.

“Besides the big inning in the second, I thought we played well,” Varnado coach Blake West said. “We settled in. We had some errors that plagued us in the second. They did what they had to do to capitalize on the errors. Their pitching was solid and their defense was exceptional.”

Varnado was limited to just one hit, which was by Jaylan Jefferson.

The Wildcats had no seniors this season and only two juniors.

“If we can keep this group together and we can build on what we did this year, next year, then next year should definitely be promising,” West said.

West said it was a successful season.

“It’s the first time Varnado has ever made the playoffs (in baseball),” West said. “It was definitely a successful year. We’ve got a lot to build on.”

VHS finished the 2015 season with a 6-18 record.

Despite the record, the Wildcats lost some close games. Varnado lost nine games by three runs or fewer.

Second seeded Sacred Heart advances to the regional round.