Holcomb softball rallies, knocks off Advance in high-scoring Class 1 quarterfinal

When Advance pushed the game’s first three runs across with just one away in the first inning, Holcomb gave the ball to a freshman, and it never looked back.

Led by an early surge and some big insurance late, the Holcomb Hornets, led by a tough-as-nails performance from Khloe Furlow in the circle, punched their ticket to the Class 1 final four in an 11-7 win over Advance.

“I’m pressed for words right now,” Holcomb coach Matt Casper said minutes after the win. “It's just a big moment for our program.”

Advance got the opportunity to host the high–stakes quarterfinal, a rematch from much earlier in the season in which Holcomb run-ruled Advance.

That wasn’t the case early, as Advance opened the game with four runs in the first inning, including a three-RBI triple from senior Maggie Stubenrauch.

But Holcomb kept pounding, and after losing all the momentum early, got it right back with a couple huge doubles in the bottom of the first to push three across and bring the game back into reach.

With a three-run third and a four-run fourth, Holcomb staked a lead of five at the game’s midpoint against an Advance team that hasn’t had to battle a deficit many times this year.

In the end, despite a late Advance rally to shorten up that lead, Holcomb had just enough juice in the tank to put out the fire in the opposing dugout and claim its third final four appearance in four years.

“Hats off to Advance,” Casper said. “What a heck of a season they’ve had, with one of the best pitchers in the area.

“I felt like our our batters executed the game plan to a T, just did a great job of battling back there.”

Advance's Maggie Stubenrauch celebrates a triple during a Wednesday, May 15, 2024 MSHSAA Class 1 quarterfinal game between the Advance Hornets and the Holcomb Hornets at Westfield Park in Advance, Mo. Holcomb defeated Advance, 11-7.Cole Lee ~ clee@semoball.com

On the mound, Furlow created a spark as she surrendered just six hits and five walks in 6 ⅔ innings of work against one of the best softball teams in Southeast Missouri.

Tried and true, the Advance offense got runners on base against Furlow, but she had a way of stringing together outs with a great defense behind her that kept the hosting Hornets on the ropes.

In need of some fire defensively, Furlow provided, and it undeniably worked to rally Holcomb from an early four-run hole and into the state semifinals next week.

“I had to make a move quick, and we went with the freshman,” Casper recalled. “We knew she had pretty good stuff, but we didn't know what her stamina would be going through.

“Man, she pitched a heck of a game. To finish off those last six, I can't brag enough about her.”

Earning a reputation far-and-wide for being one of the top arms in the region, Addison Carlton pitched tough against Holcomb, but a deep lineup kept hitting the junior arm hard.

Ella Lemings finished with four hits for Holcomb, including one double, for four RBIs, while freshman Addison Elliott’s three hits went for another four RBIs to generate some big production in the middle order.

Advance’s four seniors – Kaylee Cline, Natalee Roper, Brianna Seiler and Maggie Stubenrauch – elevated the Hornets back to statewide prominence, and their impact cannot be undermined.

In an emotional postgame meeting following a crushing loss at home, Advance coach James Hamlin focused heavily on his appreciation for that group.

“They have left this program in a better place than it was when they came here,” Hamlin said. “We told the rest of the girls that everybody that's coming back has got to put in the work and get ready to take another step next year.

“Our program’s in a really good spot. We've got great kids, great support from our fans, our school is behind us; our program was in a better place than it has been. We continue to grow, and and that's what's good for our school and our community.”

Holcomb's Jasmine White celebrates an RBI during a Wednesday, May 15, 2024 MSHSAA Class 1 quarterfinal game between the Advance Hornets and the Holcomb Hornets at Westfield Park in Advance, Mo. Holcomb defeated Advance, 11-7.Cole Lee ~ clee@semoball.com

Holcomb, making its first appearance at the final four since 2022, has a chance to make a lasting impression in Springfield, Missouri, next week as it looks to secure the gold in a talented Class 1 field.

Facing off against Concordia in the state semifinals at 1:15 p.m. on Monday, Holcomb’s third final-four appearance has it in a place of familiarity.

For the seniors, it’s their third time reaching this point. With that experience, paired with the hard-nosed fight of the Hornets’ dugout, Casper’s confident his squad can make a run at some hardware.

“I'm telling you: With the way the last few weeks have went, who knows what will happen?” Casper said.

“Getting to this point is just such an honor. It's such a privilege and such a reward for these kids, what they put out and their dedication to the program and this season.

“We're glad to be there, and we're gonna try to make the most of it when we get there.”