The Mesquite softball team has been in its share of tight spots (eight power-point games decided by two runs or less this season) so anxiety is something it knows about.

That's good because after winning in a rout Wednesday night by a count of 11-1 over Dobson in its regular-season finale, the Wildcats were left for a couple hours to wait for other results to determine if they had qualified for state at the last minute.

Mesquite pitcher Katie Greco tossed a three-hitter and helped herself driving in three runs. Mesquite scored three runs in the first and led 5-1 after three innings. Teammate Domi Shone knocked in three runs and Jenny Huerta a pair, including a solo homer in the fourth inning.

Dobson had already qualified for state and rested pitcher Jacklin Lewis, who has been bothered of late by shin splints.

"I'm glad we came out fast in this one and put some pressure on," Mesquite coach Jeff Shufelt said. "We knew we had to win this game to have a chance. We just have to wait now."

That was about 8:30 on Wednesday night. By 10 p.m. it became clear Mesquite, Buena and possibly idle Kofa were the teams claiming the final three berths up for grabs heading to Wednesday's final day of regular-season play.

Six teams -- Kofa, Buena, Trevor Browne, Mesquite, Desert Ridge and Highland -- battled the final day for the remaining berths. Kofa  finished its season Tuesday and  waited to see if its power-ranking (14th) would hold up. Buena defeated Marana Mountain View (the Colts third win in as many days) to vault to 14th. Mesquite moved up from 17th to 15th by beating Dobson. Kofa dropped to 16th and appeared close to sewing up that berth with a few results not yet reported.

Trevor Browne, Desert Ridge and Highland all lost their finales to Betty Fairfax, Casa Grande  Corona del Sol), respectively, to fall out of contention.

The 5A-I and 5A-II baseball and softball state tournament brackets will be finalized Thursday with both beginning double-elimination play on Saturday April 30.