A 24-hour delay couldn't slow down Parishville-Hopkinton's march toward a sectional championship. After Friday night's Section X Class D semifinal was suspended by thunderstorms with the Panthers holding a slim 3-2 lead, Parishville-Hopkinton returned Saturday and finished the job, holding off a determined Madrid-Waddington rally for an 8-6 victory. With the win, the Panthers advance to the Section X Class D Championship Game, where they'll face rival Heuvelton with a sectional title on the line. When play resumed Saturday, Parishville-Hopkinton wasted little time taking control. The Panthers broke open the tight contest with a four-run fifth inning, capitalizing on several Madrid-Waddington miscues. Four Yellow Jacket errors in the inning helped fuel the surge as Parishville-Hopkinton turned a one-run game into a comfortable advantage. The Panthers continued to apply pressure throughout the afternoon. One of the key moments came when Cole Smith delivered a single, moving Logan Kingston to third base. Moments later, Kingston raced home on a wild pitch to cut into the deficit, but Parishville-Hopkinton quickly answered to maintain momentum. Ace Wade Caskinett then helped his own cause at the plate. The Panthers' standout pitcher lined a single into center field, bringing home Charles Clark-Vallance and extending the lead to 8-3. At that point, Parishville-Hopkinton appeared firmly in command. Madrid-Waddington, however, refused to go quietly. Facing elimination, the Yellow Jackets mounted a spirited comeback attempt in the seventh inning. Kolby Todd scored on a wild pitch, and Logan Kingston followed with an RBI single that plated Bear Wilson, bringing the Jackets closer and putting pressure on the Panthers. With momentum beginning to shift and the tying run looming, Parishville-Hopkinton turned once again to its ace. Caskinett dug deep and delivered when it mattered most, recording a strikeout for the game's final out and sending the Panthers into celebration mode. The victory showcased the resilience that has defined Parishville-Hopkinton throughout the season. Despite the unusual overnight delay and a late challenge from Madrid-Waddington, the Panthers stayed composed and found a way to finish the job. Now the focus turns to the championship stage. Parishville-Hopkinton will meet Heuvelton in the Section X Class D Final, setting up a showdown between two of the North Country's top programs with a sectional crown hanging in the balance. If Saturday's semifinal was any indication, the Panthers appear ready for the challenge.