The Bobcats, who entered the game on a five-game winning streak, traded blows early on. Florence put up a single run in the top of the first before the Cavaliers tied the game in the bottom of the second.

The Bobcats took the lead once again with two in the third, but STAA answered with three in the bottom of the frame.

From there, Florence reliever Matthew Koski went toe-to-toe with STAA starter Teagan Anderson and reliever PJ Finger with none of the three allowing a run over the last 3 1/2 innings.

Trent McClain led the Florence offense with two RBIs, a run scored and two walks. Koski drove home the Bobcats’ other run.

Florence's Mason Koski comes just short of tagging out a Cavaliers base runner at third base. (D'Nelle Kelley photo)

Kade Larson and Matthew Smith added a single each but the Bobcats did not record an extra-base hit among their four hits. Larson and Bradley Steber scored one run each in the contest.

McClain got the start but suffered an early injury on a slide into home. The 2024 Northern Lakes Conference player of the year allowed one earned run on two hits and two walks. The senior struck out two.

Koski pitched the final five innings, surrendering the three runs in the third but then shutting down the Cavaliers from there. Koski allowed four hits and two walks and fanned seven.

With its victory, STAA advances to the sectional round to face top-seeded Lena on Tuesday. Lena clinched its spot with a 4-1 win over fourth-seeded Three Lakes/Phelps on Thursday.

The Bobcats finished their 2025 campaign with a 15-5 record. Seniors McLain, Smith and Breyson Kelley played their final game for the Bobcats.

Florence outfielder Carson Chrisman gathers in a fly ball.