The Highland softball team fell behind early but roared back Monday in the regional quarterfinal round of the class 2A playoffs to beat Pekin 8-4.

The Panthers scored twice in the first and Highland responded in the bottom half with one. The Panthers extended their lead to 4-1 in the third and then the Huskies turned it on, scoring seven unanswered including two in the fourth, three in the fifth and two in the sixth to secure the win. Brylee Carolan was two for three with two doubles, two driven in and a run scored. Kesley Hora was three for four with a triple, scoring three times and stealing three bases. Megan Hoenig got the win in the circle, going all seven innings, giving up 10 hits, four runs and striking out three. Highland is now 21-7 on the year, they will next be in action Friday in the regional semifinal round of the tournament when they square off with No. 9 Eddyville-Blakesburg.