Sidney, a senior, had a team-high four hits, including two doubles, the first of which got her to third base due to an error by a Badgers outfielder. She also toed the mound, allowing eight hits and two walks, while fanning a trio of Niagara hitters in a complete game.

Morgan Tomczak, Florence’s freshman leadoff hitter, cracked three hits, including a double. Shortstop Isabella Millan also ripped a double for the Bobcats, who improved to 15-5.

The Badgers were aggressive from the get-go, loading the bases in the opening inning. Senior Haley Allred drew a bases-loaded walk and got credit for the game’s first RBI. However, for the rest of the game, the Badgers would fail to score with the bases full on three occasions.

“That’s what I always say about this group, they’re the ‘cardiac kids’. They seem to play better when we’re behind,” said Florence head coach Dan Robinson. “The girls responded, played real good defense and hit the ball well.”

Florence senior Sydney Tomczak (3) blasts a double in the fourth inning of Wednesday's WIAA Division 5 regional championship game at Florence.

For Niagara, senior Noelle Champagne pitched her final game in the Badgers purple and white. She fanned five over six innings, as well as collecting two hits at the plate.

Catcher Emma Broullire smacked a two-run single for Niagara in the top half of the fifth inning. The pair of RBIs was a team-high for the Badgers.

“I am very proud of the way the girls won a tournament game on Monday to get here, and they battled tonight,” said first year Badgers head coach Brad Richtig. “We got bit by the error bug tonight, but when we hit the ball well, it didn’t fall our way. Congratulations to Florence, they’re well-coached and every batter in their lineup is a hard out. They’re going to do well in the tournament.”

A five-run fourth inning for the host Ladycats gave them a 10-2 lead, which in essence put the game out of reach for Niagara. Both Tomczak sisters delivered two-run doubles in the inning.

“I’ll tell you what, the girls are getting better by the game, and I hope we can continue this run beyond Monday,” Robinson said.

The Badgers, who finished the season at 10-11, say goodbye to three seniors — Champagne, Allred and left fielder Jadah McCarthy.

“Those three girls had a fantastic season. They’re great people, who are all an asset to the community and will definitely be missed in our dugout,” Richtig said.

Florence will move on to the sectionals as they will take on Northern Lakes Conference champions Laona-Wabeno at 5 p.m. Monday in Laona. L-W defeated Florence both meetings in the regular season.

“We played them (L-W) tough the last time, losing by only three runs (8-5),” Robinson said. “After that game is when our bats really have come alive, and continue to be. I look forward to Monday.”

Niagara 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 — 4/8/5

Florence 0 3 2 5 2 0 X — 12/13/1

WP: S. Tomczak; LP: Champagne