The Lions’ softball team advanced to the second round regional game after defeating English Valleys in a high scoring affair 14-10 on Monday.

The bats came to life for both teams in the class 1A opening round game that ended in a thriller. Lone Tree (4-16) took a 9-7 lead into the last inning when English Valleys (4-18) worked some late game magic to push extra innings. After each team scored a run in the eighth the relentless Lion offense tallied four more in the ninth to shut the door on the Bears season. Abby Buckman was a workhorse in the circle going all nine innings recording the win on six earned runs and 10 strikeouts. Offensive production came from all over for the Lions led by Lillian Miller going 4-for-6 with two RBI. Skyler Pettit added two big knocks with four RBI.

The Lions will look to keep their bats going tonight in the second round regional game as they travel to Belle Plaine (20-6).