High-level softball played out on KCII Friday night when the Sigourney Savages and Highland Huskies dueled in the Region 7 Semifinals. While runs were scarce, there was no shortage of excitement as Sigourney prevailed 2-1 in walkoff fashion.

After a scoreless top half, Ava Fisch got things started for the Savage offense in the first inning with a leadoff single. She later crossed the plate on a Husky error to put the home team in front. Her hit was just one of six allowed by Highland pitcher Grace Prybil. The senior shut down Sigourney for the next five frames, thanks in part to defensive gems all over the field. Shortstop Sarah Burton, first baseman Payton Brun, and right fielder Kenzie Davis had particular busy evenings, but flashed the leather on multiple occasions to keep it 1-0 into the sixth.

Carly Goodwin was equally masterful in the circle for the Savages. Following a 20 strikeout performance Wednesday, Goodwin punched-out 12 Friday, including her 300th of the season. In a tight contest, the Huskies were only able to manage one runner in scoring position through five. That was until Lily Barre knocked a one-out single in the sixth. She was followed by back-to-back bunt singles, the second of which earning Davis the RBI. With runners on second and third and just one out, the Savages displayed some defense of their own. Eighth-grader Ella Bruns handled two straight grounders at third to keep it tied into the seventh.

Goodwin sent Highland down 1-2-3 in the final frame to put Sigourney in the driver’s seat. She too allowed six hits in the complete game with no walks. With the stage set in the bottom of the seventh, the bottom of the order for the Savages rose to the occasion. Ava Fineran shot a leadoff single into center. Then with one out, in just her fifth at bat of the year, Devyn Smallwood delivered another single into right to put them at the corners. Pinch-runner Carmalita Cave would score the winning run off a groundout from Fisch earning Sigourney another trip to the Regional Championship. With the loss, Highland says goodbye to seniors Prybil, Burton, Brun, Madison Beeson, and Meleah Fesler.

Sigourney meanwhile will host Wapello Monday night with a State Tournament berth on the line. KCII will have coverage on all streams and signals, beginning with the Roder Epoxy Pregame Show at 6:30 and first pitch at 7.