Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Audrey Kolacia of St. Edmond dives for a fly ball against Rockford earlier this week at Rogers Park.

MASON CITY — The intensity goes up a notch here Friday night, as No. 10 St. Edmond takes on sixth-ranked Mason City Newman in a Class 1A, Region 2 semifinal.

First-pitch is set for 7 p.m.

Awaiting the winner between the Gaels (19-8 overall) and Knights (28-6) will be a regional final on Monday against either No. 4 AGWSR or Bishop Garrigan.

Earlier this week, St. Edmond scored a come-from-behind 7-6 victory over Rockford at Rogers Park to advance, as Ella Vratny drove in Jacque Oberg for the game-winning run.

Vratny, a freshman, earned her 18th win of the season, striking out six to go along with her double to win it. On the year, she has 123 strikeouts, including a career-high 12 Ks in one game.

Second-year head coach Nick Clark received production from all different sports in the batting order. Leadoff hitter — and lone senior — Audrey Kolacia extended her streak of reaching base to 19 games, Erin Flattery had a double and scored twice out of the two-hole, No. 3 batter Jocy Timmerman got on base three times, and Macey Mason and Jacque Oberg each had two hits.

The Gaels, who reached a regional final last year after winning two postseason games on the road, rallied after the Warriors went ahead 6-4. St. Edmond is 9-3 over its last 12 games played.

Mason City Newman has won two in a row and seven of eight entering the game, including a 7-0 win over Colo-Nesco this past Tuesday.

Senior Amara Wolf is 24-3 inside the circle, striking out 108 batters. Lily Castle is the leading hitter with eight homers, 11 triples, seven doubles, 25 RBI and 24 steals, with Paige Leniniger and Macy Alexander driving in a combined 73 on the year.

The Knights scored a win earlier this year over Rockford, and also hold victories vs. North Union, Clear Lake and Eagle Grove.

If AGWSR wins, they will host the regional final. Otherwise, the winner between St. Edmond and Mason City Newman will serve as the host school.