VINTON — Vinton fell behind early on Wednesday in the regional round of the nonselect Division IV playoffs, but it was only a temporary setback.

The No. 8 Lions rallied to keep their historic season alive with a 10-6 win over No. 9 Lakeside.

“We struggled early,” admitted Vinton head coach Garrett Coppels. “We put ourselves in a hole, but we battled back. It is what we have been doing all year. We just battled for seven innings. That is all you can ask.”

Less than a week removed from winning their first playoff game with an 18-0 shutout of Basile in the bi-district round, the Lions (20-10) move on to the quarterfinals. They will travel to No. 1 LaSalle, the 2022 Class 1A state runner-up. LaSalle beat No. 16 South Plaquemines 17-0 in the regionals.

“It has been an enjoyable season,” Coppels said. “It is a good way to describe it.

“We returned eight starters. It has been a great ride, and we are looking forward to the next one.”

Vinton stumbled out of the gate after the Warriors (20-11) scored four runs on three hits and an error in the top of the first inning.

The Lions had one hit through two innings and trailed 4-2 before adapting to the pitching style of Lakeside’s McKenna Chreene and scoring six runs between the third and fourth innings to take control.

“I think at the plate we adjusted to (Chreene),” Coppels said. “She had a different delivery.

“It was throwing us off and our timing was off. We were late to fastballs early. I think we started barreling it up, and our timing got better as we went. It showed, obviously.”

The Lions opened the bottom of the fourth inning with four consecutive hits, starting with Madyson Jones’ bunt single. Jones scored the tying run on a single up the middle by Shalyn Lewis, and Jaycie O’Conner scored the go-ahead run on Jolie Gary’s second hit.

O’Conner (2-for-4, 2 runs), Gary (2-for-3, 3 runs, RBI), Beonca Harvey (2-for-4, 2 RBIs) and Bryclyn Fenetz (2-for-4, RBI, double) accounted for eight of the Lions’ 11 hits.

O’Conner struck out nine and walked five while pitching a complete game.

“Jaycie is unbelievable on the mound,” Coppels said. “She has been amazing at the plate.”

Hallie Sutton led Lakeside, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI.