Two softball programs in the KCII listening area go toe-to-toe this evening in the Class 1A Region 8 semifinals. The Sigourney Savages, fresh off their playoff-opening win, welcome the Highland Huskies who have already eliminated two from the postseason.

Sixth in the final 1A rankings, Sigourney took care of Iowa Valley Wednesday night 9-0. Fueled by a five-run fourth inning, the Savages finished with 10 hits and saw eight different players cross the plate. Senior Amiya Smallwood scored twice and added a pair of hits. Josephine Moore swung the big bat Wednesday, going 3-4 with two doubles, a home run, and three knocked in. This was more than enough support for Carly Goodwin, who took a perfect game through six and two-thirds innings and fanned 20. Top-5 in the State in ERA, WHIP, strikeouts, opponent batting average, and runs allowed, Goodwin is just three punch-outs away from eclipsing 300 for the second time in her career. Her .506 average also leads a dangerous offense that balances power and softball IQ.

With plenty of success in their history as well, Highland comes to town the winners of six straight and nine of their last ten. The Huskies held off Calamus-Wheatland in the second round Wednesday, 4-2. It was another solid performance in the circle for Grace Prybil, who despite giving up eight hits, allowed just two runs, struck out five and walked one. At the plate, Husky RBIs were provided by Kamryn Fink, Mayia Singbeil, and Mackenzie Davis, while Adisyn Prottsman closed things out in relief. Seniors Payton Brun and Sarah Burton have been two of the biggest catalysts for Highland’s hitting. Each carry a batting average above .450 with more than 30 hits apiece. Equally confident at the pitcher position, four Huskies have combined for a 1.89 ERA this season with a strikeout to walk ratio of nearly four to one. Although they have a similar makeup, Sigourney and Highland have met just once in the last 15 years. That was a 4-2 Highland victory in 2019.

Listen to the Savages and Huskies vie for a spot in the Regional Championship tonight on AM 1380, FM 102.5, the KCII2 App, and KCIIradio.com. Roder Epoxy Pregame Show coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. with first pitch at 7 from Schafer Field in Sigourney.