St. Elizabeth won the Class 1 state softball championship in 2011. Four girls from that title-winner are one win away from a return trip to the Final Four.
St. Elizabeth defeated Montrose with Appleton City 3-0 in a sectional contest Wednesday.
"They want to go back," St. Elizabeth head coach Peggy Wieberg said, referring to Savannah Stiles, Mikayla Otto, Emma Kemna and Sarah Heckemeyer. "They're doing everything they can to get back.
"I thought we had the potential to get here, but from here on out it's icing on the cake."
Regan Wilde picked up the win, tossing seven innings and allowing just three hits with five strikeouts and a walk. The sophomore also went 2-for-3 at the plate with a run scored.
She's going to develop into one of our best," Wieberg said, alluding to the challenge of replacing Erin Streumph, a three-time all-state pitcher who is now at Missouri State. "To handle this presure the way she has is so commendable. Not too many people could do this."
Megan Kemna went 2-for-3, while Heckemeyer and Emma Kemna added a hit and an RBI. Allie Heckemeyer had a hit, two stolen bases and scored a run.
St. Elizabeth (17-8) hosts New Franklin (21-7) on Saturday for the right to play in the Final Four.