Photo by Troy Banning, for The Messenger Carlie Thompson delivers the game-winning hit for Humboldt on Friday against Webster City. For more photos, please visit CU.freemanjournal.net

HUMBOLDT — No. 3 (Class 3A) Humboldt moved one step closer to its fourth consecutive North Central Conference softball championship with a 1-0, eight-inning win over Webster City on Friday.

Carlie Thompson delivered a bases-loaded single to right past a drawn-in infield to plate Addie Thompson and win the game for the Wildcats (26-2 overall, 12-1 in the NCC).

In a true pitcher’s duel, Ellie Jacobson (26-2) fired a two-hit shutout with 13 strikeouts for Humboldt. Jenna Miller (14-5) was perfect through five innings and wound up being the tough-luck loser for the Lynx (20-6, 12-2).

The Wildcats will clinch the NCC title outright if they exact revenge against Clear Lake on Monday.

Humboldt 1, Webster City 0 (8)

Webster City 000 000 00 — 0 2 1

Humboldt 000 000 01 — 1 3 0

Jenna Miller and Kaitlyn Seeley; Ellie Jacobson and Mady Lange. 2B–WC: Kelly Stoakes.