OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - Mariah Herrera delivered when it mattered most, lifting Johnson County Community College to a dramatic 9-8 walk-off victory over Coffeyville in the opening round of the Region 6 Tournament Wednesday at the JCCC Softball Field.

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th inning, Herrera lined a single to bring home Olivia Ellis from third, capping a back-and-forth battle and sending the Cavaliers into the next round.

Johnson County (34-11) advances to face Allen on Thursday at 3 p.m.

The Cavaliers had to rally multiple times to secure the win. Coffeyville jumped out early with three runs in the first inning and built a 5-2 lead after two. JCCC answered in the third, highlighted by a two-run home run from Reagan Neitzel, to pull even.

After Coffeyville regained the lead, JCCC again responded late. Trailing 6-4, the Cavaliers tied the game in the seventh, forcing extra innings. Coffeyville pushed across two runs in the top of the ninth, but JCCC answered with two of its own in the bottom half to extend the game.

Herrera led the offensive effort, going 3-for-5 with three RBI, including the game-winner. Neitzel had a big day as well, finishing 4-for-6 with two RBI and a home run. Katie Kolarik added two hits and two RBI, while Alaryce Millard chipped in a home run and two RBI.

Ellis scored twice and played a key role in the final rally, setting the stage for Herrera's heroics.

In the circle, Kyleigh Whitehurst went the distance, earning the win after tossing all 10 innings. She allowed eight runs (six earned) on 11 hits while striking out eight.

JCCC totaled 13 hits and drew eight walks in the contest, outlasting a Coffeyville squad that finished with 11 hits.

Now riding the momentum of a walk-off victory, the Cavaliers turn their attention to Allen, with a spot deeper in the Region 6 bracket on the line.