Marquette‘s softball team had Serena on the ropes and down to its final out in the Class 1A Serena Regional championship game Friday night.

That was until Serena catcher Brynley Glade doubled to left field. Two pitches later, shortstop Anna Hjerpe ripped a line drive through the infield to score Glade, tie the game and keep Serena’s season alive.

The Huskers rode that momentum into extra innings and pushed across the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth on an error.

From there, it was up to starting pitcher Cassie Walsh to finish off the comeback. She did just that with little drama, securing an upset, 2-1 victory in a nail-biter against the top-seeded Crusaders.

Serena (13-10) advances on to play a Little Ten Conference opponent to be determined – Earlville or Newark – on Wednesday in the 1A Indian Creek Sectional.

Marquette (24-8) sees its season come to a close.

Walsh earned the complete-game victory, allowing one run on four hits over nine innings while striking out four and walking one. Notably, she threw 107 pitches to get through nine innings – which she said is the most she’s thrown in her softball career.

Going against Marquette’s impressive lineup, Walsh explained her approach coming into the game.

“I knew coming into this game that I could not leave anything down the middle whatsoever,” Walsh said. “I had to keep things outside, inside, high, low. I had to mix everything and try to keep them guessing. I felt like I did that well.”

Walsh also made sure to give credit to the defense behind her for helping keep the Huskers within striking distance.

“I know that if I happen to miss my spot, my defense has got me, because obviously I’m not going to strike everyone out,” Walsh said. “I trust them 100%, and they came through today.”

Serena coach Katie Huss also praised the Huskers defense, saying defense has been the team’s identity throughout the season. Friday night’s game wasn’t any different.

“Overall, our defense all season has been our strong suit,” Huss said. “We may make an error here or there, but it seems like we always pick it up an inning or two later.”

After the game-saving rally in the seventh inning and the extra-inning victory, Huss said the emotions of the moment were hard to put into words.

“That was a crazy game,” she said. “I felt like we came out with a little bit of jitters just because Marquette is always a rivalry matchup. You’re at home, it’s regionals. Last year was an intense game as well.”

Despite the nerves and being down for much of the game, Huss wasn’t exactly surprised this team came together and made plays when it mattered most.

“They’re a very close-knit group,” Huss said. “They were fighters all the way through. I’m just so proud of this team, because they always pick each other up, and tonight’s game was a perfect example of that.”

Marquette coach Curtiss Johnson said the loss will be a difficult one for him and his team to shake off, but praised his team’s effort regardless.

“I feel for these girls, I really do,” Johnson said. “They’ve worked very hard to get to this point and are deserving of the win. But sometimes it’s just not your day.

“You have to give credit where credit’s due. Serena came out, they made the plays, and they beat us today.”

Marquette starting pitcher Kinley Rick turned in a strong game in the circle, allowing two runs with one earned on eight hits while striking out nine across nine innings.

The Cru had just four hits in total, with first baseman Chloe Thrush with a hit and the lone RBI, while third baseman Lily Brewer, catcher Kelsey Cuchra and right fielder Taylor Gamons also each added a hit.

Johnson reflected on the season, saying he’s happy with how the team progressed and is looking forward to success in the upcoming years as every Cru starter can return in 2027.

“I’m proud of this group. I’m proud of their season,” he said. “We’ll get back, get ready to go and learn from a loss like this.”