The Centralia Panthers rallied late to complete an incredible comeback and defeat the Onaga Buffaloes in a TVL softball matchup that went the distance and into the eighth inning. Both teams battled throughout, but Centralia came away with the victory after storming back in the top of the seventh inning.

The game started with Onaga jumping out to an early lead in the bottom of the first inning, scoring four runs. Jayden Haskin delivered a bases-clearing triple to help the Buffaloes build the early advantage and later scored on a wild pitch.

Centralia answered in the top of the second after a leadoff error allowed Ashlan Alderfer to reach base. That was followed by three straight walks before Tava Gibbs delivered a huge two-RBI double for her second hit of the game. The Panthers scored five runs in the inning to take a 5-4 lead.

Onaga quickly reclaimed the advantage in the bottom of the second with two runs off a pair of hits, including an RBI single from Willow Hochsteddler, to take a 6-5 lead heading into the third inning.

The Panthers tied the game in the top of the fourth when Gibbs scored after collecting her third hit and second double of the game. Onaga responded with two more runs from Adison DeChant and Hochsteddler to move back in front 8-6.

The Buffaloes added more insurance later in the game to build a 10-6 lead going into the top of the seventh inning, forcing Centralia to at least tie the game to stay alive.

The Panthers answered the challenge with four runs in the seventh to even the score at 10-10. The biggest play came from Mylee Haug, who had been hitless through her first four at-bats before lining a two-RBI single into the outfield to tie the game and force extra innings if Onaga could not score in the bottom half of the inning. The Buffaloes came close but stranded a runner at second base.

Centralia wasted no time keeping its bats hot in the eighth inning, recording five consecutive hits and scoring four runs. Gibbs provided the biggest blow with a two-run home run, giving her five hits on the day and her third homer of the season.

Onaga managed just one run in the bottom of the eighth and left the bases loaded to end the game as Centralia completed the comeback for a 14-11 victory.

Gibbs led Centralia with five hits, including two doubles, two singles, and a home run. The Panthers finished with 14 runs, 11 hits, two errors, and left 13 runners on base.

Onaga was led offensively by Hochsteddler, who went 5-for-5 with three doubles, two singles, three runs scored, and three RBIs. She also went the distance in the circle, striking out 13 batters. The Buffaloes finished with 11 runs, 11 hits, three errors, and left nine runners on base.

Centralia also won game two of the double header in similar fashion 13-12.