The Jefferson County North baseball team opened the Class 2-1A Regional Tournament on Thursday afternoon with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Valley Falls.

The Chargers (10-13) struck first in the second inning when Emmett Weishaar drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home the game’s first run.

Valley Falls (16-6) answered in the fourth inning. Brayson Miller singled and later scored after a JCN throwing error tied the game at 1-1.

Jefferson County North regained the lead in the sixth inning as Weishaar delivered again, lining a two-out RBI single that scored Knox Heston and gave the Chargers a 2-1 advantage.

The Dragons threatened in the bottom of the seventh, putting runners on first and second with one out. However, the Chargers turned a game-ending double play on a ground ball by Damian Cervantez to secure the win.

Valley Falls pitcher Collin Kearney turned in a strong outing, pitching into the sixth inning before reaching his pitch count limit. He finished with 12 strikeouts.

JCN’s Colby Olberding matched him with a dominant performance of his own, tossing a complete game while allowing just one run on four hits. Olberding struck out nine and walked two in the victory.

With the win, Jefferson County North advances to the regional semifinals Tuesday afternoon in Frankfort. The Chargers will face Doniphan West at 2 p.m., followed by the second semifinal matchup between Onaga and Frankfort.