In a thrilling upset Friday, the unranked Delavan Panthers took down No. 3 state-ranked Illini Bluffs with a dramatic 1-0 victory in the IHSA Class 1A regional championship, halting the Tigers’ streak of five consecutive state tournament appearances.

The Panthers, who suffered a 10-0 shutout against Illini Bluffs on April 14, flipped the script in their rematch, combining clutch offense with stellar pitching to dethrone one of the state’s top programs.

The game’s decisive play came in the third inning when Delavan’s Miley Harper (#13) laced a critical double, driving in the lone run of the contest. That single score proved enough as ace pitcher Lainey Klokkenga (#9) delivered a commanding performance, shutting down the Tigers across seven innings. Klokkenga yielded just five hits, struck out two, and issued two walks in a scoreless gem.

On the opposite mound, Illini Bluffs’ ace Cora Ellison (#9) put forth a stellar effort, allowing only one run on one hit while striking out nine and walking one. Despite her dominance, the Tigers’ potent lineup failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities, stranding multiple baserunners throughout the game.

Harper led the Panthers offensively with her clutch RBI, while Emerson Eeeten (#23) paced Illini Bluffs with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate. The Tigers flashed defensive strength with a well-executed double play, but Delavan’s resilience proved insurmountable.

With the hard-fought victory, the Panthers secured a well-earned regional championship and etched their place in program history, while Illini Bluffs saw its postseason dreams unexpectedly cut short.

The Panthers continue their run on May 27th at 5:00 PM, facing the Liberty Eagles at Triopia High School in Cord, Illinois.