Heights’ girls softball team tops Parkview in regional quarters

Baby steps. Wisconsin Heights’ girls softball team, which has one of the youngest outfits in the state this spring, has made strides throughout the year — something that bodes well for 2025 and beyond. And the Vanguards took another step in the right direction on May 16, defeating Parkview, 6-4, in a WIAA Division 4 regional quarterfinal.  Heights, the No. 8 seed in its sectional, improved to 5-16 and advanced to face top-seeded Mineral Point in a regional semifinal May 21. Parkview, the No. 9 seed, finished the year 5-12. “It was a good win for the team,” Heights coach Scott Wood said. “Even this late in the season we are still moving players around trying to find a combination that will improve our defense.”   Haley Wipperfurth had a big day for the Vanguards, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored. Macy Stampfli also had a hit, an RBI and a run scored. Izzy Sutherland was terrific in the circle and picked up the win. Sutherland allowed just one earned run, 10 hits, struck out eight and walked three. Parkview took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, but Heights answered with a pair in the bottom of the frame. The Vanguards then added two runs in the bottom of the third and extended their lead to 4-1. Parkview rallied back and tied the game, 4-4, with a three-run fourth inning. But Stampfli had an RBI groundout in the bottom of the fourth as Heights reclaimed a 5-4 advantage. The Vanguards then added an insurance run in the fifth when Sutherland stole home.  Sutherland did the rest, allowing just one hit in the final three innings. Heights now faces a Mineral Point team that has won seven of eight games heading into the postseason. The Pointers began the year 12-0 and also had a six-game winning streak late in the year.