The Sagehens entered the Class 2A regional semifinal with a clear mission: break a deadlock and punch their ticket to the championship. Monticello and Westville traded early blows, but the real drama unfolded in the bottom of the sixth.
The Sixth Inning That Changed Everything
A disciplined, patient approach at the plate saw the Sages send 14 batters to the plate in that decisive frame. Grant Kiger emerged as the catalyst, delivering a ground‑rule double and a two‑run single that turned a 3‑2 tie into an 11‑2 lead.
Koyie Williams ignited the rally with the first run of the inning, crossing the plate to put Monticello ahead. Moments later, Jake Motsegood’s RBI single had already tied the game in the fourth, setting the stage for the explosive sixth.
Westville’s pitching staff responded by cycling through four arms, but the Sages capitalized on the chaos, drawing five walks and adding multiple extra‑base hits. The offensive outburst was matched by a stellar performance on the mound.
Heyden Romano delivered a complete game, surrendering only two hits while striking out six. His new bleached‑blond look symbolized the confidence he brought to the mound, and his composure helped preserve the growing lead.
Coach Chris Jones praised the team’s resilience, noting how the players “grind out at‑bats and never quit.” His words echoed the sentiment that defined the squad’s third straight season with at least 30 wins.
The victory propels Monticello into Saturday’s regional championship showdown against Unity. Awaiting them will be either Maroa‑Forsyth or Clinton, who are set to meet in a sectional semifinal the following Wednesday.
The win also marked the end of an era for several Westville seniors, including Easton Barney, Matt Darling and Ean Jones, who had helped the team capture a regional title the previous year.