The Highland Huskies march on through the softball playoffs after defeating English Valleys 8-0 last night in the first round in Class 1A Region 4.

Highland got two runs in the first inning and never slowed down, scoring once in each of the next two frames before doubling their 4-0 lead with two runs in each of the following two innings to end the game after five. The win improves the Huskies’ record to 14-9.

The WACO Warriors were not as fortunate, ending their season with a 9-1 loss to Wapello in Class 1A Region 2. WACO cut an early deficit in half with a run in the fourth inning, but Wapello scored twice in the bottom of the fourth and five times in the sixth to end the game early.

The loss means WACO finishes the season winless. The Warriors will lose one senior to graduation in Shanae Riley. Meanwhile, Highland advances to the 1A Region 4 quarterfinals tomorrow night, where the Huskies will face North Linn.