The Columbia softball team survived a late comeback by cross-county rival Waterloo in the regional final played Saturday on their home field, taking the title 3-2.

In a well-played game, the Eagles scored three runs in the second inning and Waterloo battled back with two runs in the sixth before Columbia pitcher Brianna Weilbacher set the Bulldogs down in order in the seventh for the win. 

Kaylee Bastien and Kalli Farmer delivered run-scoring singles for the Eagles. The ‘Dogs countered with big hits from Kaitlyn Storm, Kasey Bradley and Madison Kruse to make it close late.

Columbia was boosted by a huge defensive play by outfielder Kelly Metter to help preserve the win. Metter made a running over-the-shoulder catch of a liner in the sixth inning with the score at 3-1 and two runners on base for Waterloo.

The Eagles (32-2) will play Highland on Wednesday in the Class 3A Centralia Sectional.

 Dupo wins sectional

The Dupo Tigers continued their quest for a state tournament berth with a 3-2 win Saturday against Williamsville in the Class 2A Litchfield Sectional championship.

Freshman pitcher Megan Brown was her usual effective self on the mound and contributed two hits in the game. Rachael Donald also had two hits for the Tigers, who scored two runs in the fifth inning for the win.

The Tigers (29-6) will play Monticello on Monday at the University of Illinois Super-Sectional in Champaign. Dupo last advanced to the state softball tourney in 2008.