The North Zulch softball team was reinstated into the Class A softball playoffs Tuesday after the University Interscholastic League's State Executive Committee ruled that Flatonia used an ineligible player when it beat the Lady Bulldogs on Saturday in the regional quarterfinals.

Flatonia's appeal of the decision was denied.

The minimum penalty under UIL rules is forfeiture of the game in which the player took part.

"On Monday, I was at Consol," said Karen Heintz, the new girls basketball coach at A&M Consolidated who is also completing this school year as athletics director and softball coach at North Zulch. "I got a call from my principal in North Zulch, and he said we had an UIL issue. My heart leapt into my throat because we hadn't broken any rules. He said, 'No, Flatonia did. They played an ineligible player.'"

Flatonia defeated North Zulch (14-3), but that game will now be recorded as a 1-0 victory by forfeit for the Lady Bulldogs.

The unnamed Flatonia player in question, a move-in, was initially declared ineligible by the District 28-A executive committee for violating the residency requirement. Flatonia was ordered to forfeit 20 victories, including all district games. The team's record went from 24-1-2 to 4-21-2.

North Zulch will face fifth-ranked Santa Gertrudis Academy in a one-game regional semifinal playoff at 7:30 p.m. Friday at The Fields at Huber Ranch in Seguin.

North Zulch players were given permission by the UIL on Monday to resume practice.

"Our kids got the word at school at 11:45," Heintz said. "They were sending their parents home to get their stuff. The kids are excited."

In light of the 11-run loss Saturday, Heintz was asked Monday if she wanted to resume the playoffs.

"When my pitcher is healthy, I don't mind playing anybody," Heintz said, referring to Katie Gilbert, who had a shoulder strain and was ineffective against Flatonia.

The Lady Bulldogs had some lighthearted moments in workouts -- eating ice cream, practicing, then getting on a Slip 'n Slide.

"We're having fun," Heintz said. "We may be two wins away from the state tournament, because with injury, proms and track meets, everybody wants to go to a one-game series. How many people get a second chance like this? It doesn't happen."