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OZARK — Last time Willard was in the state semifinals, it was one out away from advancing to the championship game, but it couldn't hold on.
This time, the Tigers finished the job — although it wasn't easy.
Willard is headed to the Class 5 state championship game with a thrilling 4-3 extra-inning semifinal win over Fort Zumwalt South on Friday afternoon at U.S. Baseball Park in Ozark.
The Tigers will play Grain Valley at 1:30 p.m. in Saturday's championship game. Grain Valley defeated Rockwood Summit 7-2 on Friday.