Both of the regular-season softball meetings between No. 3 King’s Fork High School and No. 2 Lakeland High School were decided by one run, and Wednesday’s conference tournament semifinal was no different.

The Lady Cavaliers took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning, but the Lady Bulldogs scored twice in the fifth and held on for a 2-1 win at Nansemond River High School. The victory advanced King’s Fork to today’s title game against No. 1 Nansemond River, and it qualified the Lady Bulldogs for regional competition.

“It’s a first for King’s Fork,” Lady Bulldogs head coach Richard Froemel said of the regional berth. But he was focused on today’s game, adding, “I would really like to talk about it after we win Friday night.”

His team had to battle on Wednesday to survive, and Froemel gave credit to Lakeland sophomore Katie Peelen for her control on the mound, noting his players had to carefully time their swings.

“It’s just a matter of catching the pitch where we want it at,” he said.

King’s Fork ended up with seven hits, finally reaching home plate in the fifth when junior Shaina Holland tripled, scoring sophomore Lindsey Carlesi and senior Ashley Roten.

Carlesi went 2-for-3 on the day.

Junior Sydney Wash improved to 12-5 on the mound for the season, allowing four hits and throwing 10 strikeouts, while pitching a complete game.

Lakeland head coach Cara Byrd saw quite a few positives in her team’s performance, despite the outcome.

“I think we played really well,” she said. “I think that we hit with them, and I think Katie pitched an excellent game.”

Byrd highlighted other players who came through in tough situations. The Lady Cavaliers got on the board in the fourth inning when senior Summer Parker tripled to score senior Bree Pendleton.

Freshman Jada Futrell went 1-for-2, with a line drive up the middle in the sixth inning, and she drew a significant walk in the seventh, after being behind in the count, to help load the bases.

Byrd also praised sophomore Stasha Waterfield for her leadership skills.

“She just built the girl’s confidence up,” the coach said. “She was a real emotional leader tonight.”

Lakeland finished the 2014 season with a record of 10-9.

“It just wasn’t our night tonight, I guess, but overall, I’m very happy with how we ended our season,” Byrd said.

Excited by the talent on her roster, she said, “I’m really ready for next year. I think we’re going to be knocking on some doors.”

Coach Byrd gave birth to son Stanley Reed Hollowell on May 12, but showed her dedication to her team, only missing a week of the season.

King’s Fork (14-8) will seek to avoid three straight losses to Nansemond River (19-1) this season when it plays for the conference tournament title today. Game time is set for 6 p.m. at Nansemond River High School.