SULPHUR — For a second consecutive year, Iowa opened the state softball championship tournament with a win over Grant in the semifinal round, this time a 1-0 squeaker.

The Yellow Jackets (27-6) will try to write a new ending today when they face Buckeye in the Class 3A final. Last year the Jackets lost to Jena in the championship game.

Pitcher Arlee Darbonne gave Iowa a return trip to the final with her fourth consecutive shutout in the playoffs. The senior limited Grant (25-8) to five hits and struck out six.

Iowa scored the game’s lone run in the bottom of the fifth. Ana Alexander singled with one out, stole second and advanced to third on a fielder’s choice. She scored on a two-out, opposite-field single to right by Kylie Boudreaux.

“Darbonne threw a heck of a game, one of her best,” Iowa head coach Kenzie Singletary said. “She gave up a few hits, but that is going to happen when you face the best teams at this point. We were able to get a few hits, not our normal, but enough to get it done.”

Darbonne said taking things easy and having confidence in her teammates has led to her postseason success.

“I’m just trying to control the game and not let the game control me,” she said. “I know that my teammates have my back and will come through whether we need two runs or 10. I’m looking forward to getting to compete with them one more time tomorrow.”

Grant’s most threatening chance to score came in the fourth when McKenna Howell led off with a double. Darbonne forced three consecutive ground balls to leave the runner stranded at third.

Howell had two hits to lead the Cougars.

Alexander and Boudreaux had two hits each to lead the Yellow Jackets.

Singletary said the Jackets have been determined to finish the job this season.

“Our only goal this season has been to win the championship,” she said. “To have that chance again is phenomenal. It’s big for the program, making back-to-back trips to the final.”

Buckeye advanced with a 7-5 win over Sterlington.