Class 4A — Pella Dutch vs. North Polk Comets

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All week long, the heat has risen and risen at Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex in Fort Dodge, Iowa. And now we get to where the temperature is reached, the championship game of the 2025 Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union State Softball Tournament, presented by Iowa Farm Bureau. And in our 4A championship game, it is the eighth seeded Pella Dutch. They will see if the slipper fits or if it's meant to be. For North Polk, the Comets the three seed as these two teams met once previously, this year. As we welcome you to Fort Dodge, Iowa, she's Aly Cappaert. I am Brad Wells. And Aly lot of similarities between these two teams. Two very young head coaches, both young former Iowa girls, and they both have a pitcher who is dynamite in the circle. And they both can hit.

Two highlight players. Today, it's going to be Emma Eekhoff from Pella and Ava Husak from North Polk. They have been lights out this entire tournament and all season for both these teams.

And Pella went through the gauntlet through the quarterfinals and the semifinals to get here. Are they a team of destiny? We will find out. They are making just their second trip to the state tournament in school history.

And as I mentioned earlier, it was Emma Eekhoff on this season over. Excuse me. In her career, over 400 strikeouts, 30 plus home runs. But in this state tournament yesterday, seven strikeouts in the semifinal. She's also hit two home runs for her squad.

One in the quarterfinals, one in the semifinals, beat sixth ranked Carlisle in the regional semifinal for a chance to get to state and top seeded Xavier and ADMl went down to the hands of Pella coach Banowetz, also getting married on Saturday. We will have plenty more on that coming up throughout tonight's broadcast. Meanwhile, for the three seeded North Polk Comets, they are no strangers to the state softball tournament.

No, they have been here 19 times as a team, but this team is filled with seniors and it's led by senior pitcher Ava Husak. 900 strikeouts on the season, she has been lights out this entire tournament. She'll continue her playing career next year at Drake. And the crazy thing? She's a pitcher, but she also leads the team at the plate with a 522 batting average. Another note this North Polk team, 16 hits yesterday, every spot one through nine in the lineup got a hit.

And in June, back on June 20 and 21, North Polk came to Fort Dodge and they won the Fort Dodge tournament with wins over Atlantic, Fort Dodge, Williamsburg and Winterset. Coach says being here, getting used to the facilities and extra weekend has been huge for us this year. As we get ready now for introductions of our teams on the public address, Mike is Tim Fitzpatrick.

Feel tell.

You, ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention please, The Jack North Award is given to the outstanding senior performer from the state tournament. The award, named in honor of the former information director of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, is given annually in basketball and softball, presenting the Jack North Softball Award is Aaron Gerlach, executive director. The 2024 softball honoree is Jesse Clemens of Pleasant Valley. Jesse led Pleasant Valley to the class 5A state title last year. She set a state record with three home runs at last year's tournament and drove in a 5A best seven runs. She went on to enjoy an outstanding season at Iowa State last spring, and was named to the freshman All-American team. Ladies and gentlemen, the softball recipient of the Jack North Award from Pleasant Valley High School, Jesse Clemens Just getting a little like, can I get what they were doing?

They were trying to solve a problem. Sure. You're right. Yeah, but that was just a the motivation that was needed to get two runners on the throwing error right after that on the clutch. But then the strikeout back-to-back.

The IG Golden Plaque of Distinction Award honors the Iowa coach, who has demonstrated a successful career while making notable contributions toward school, community and the coaching profession, presenting the 2025 Golden Plaque of Distinction Award is IGA Executive Director Aaron Gerlich and softball administrator Jason Esslinger this year's recipient of the Golden Plaque of Distinction Award in softball is Steve Corkrean of Winterset. Steve coached softball for 24 years and attained incredible success at Winterset High School. He compiled over 700 career victories and guided the Huskies to seven class A state championships and 13 state tournament appearances include winning four titles in a seven-year span. His teams never recorded a losing season during his 24-year tenure, despite consistently making his regular season schedule one of the toughest in the state. Steve is a member of the Iowa Girls Coaching Association Softball Hall of Fame and Winterset High School named its softball field after him this summer. Accompanied by his wife, Nancy this evening. Congratulations to this year's recipient of the IGA Golden Plaque of Distinction in Softball from Winterset, Steve Corkrean.

Are you starting?

The sun is shining. You see the blue skies, white clouds, 83 degrees. Slight breeze at six miles an hour. My phone says it feels like 90. Aly, it has been hot here. Yesterday at a game I saw an umpire getting helped off the field. Was unable to finish a game yesterday. They took hydration breaks. They're making sure the players and coaches are staying hydrated. Feels a lot cooler today than yesterday.

And I tell you what that heat right now is the last thing on these players' minds. They're here to play a state championship today. A little bit nicer actually than yesterday. So, nothing to complain about here. It's Iowa in July, it's softball season.

And here Fort Dodge last night overnight got hammered with some rain. About two inches of rain right here. They had the infield tarped and it is looking really good. Ready for this for a championship game.

Good afternoon softball fans and welcome to Rogers Sports Complex. And this for a championship match up between the Pella Dutch and the North Polk Comets. It's time to meet the teams.

First of all, for the visitors from Pella, here are your non-starters number two, Maddie Keske. Number three Mallory Doschadis. Number four Kylie Schippers. Number five Haylie DeVries. Number eight Lennon Eekhoff. Number nine Cameron Long. Number 12 Ava Roe. Number 16 sage DeYoung. Number 17 Samantha TeGrootenhuis. Number 20 Stella Rhamy. And number 24 Candace Thompson Your assistant coaches Joe Van Hemert, Ryan Doschadis, Thea Wisse and Ava Curry.

And now here's your starting lineup for the Dutch from Pella High School. Leading off doing the pitching number 22 Emma Eekhoff. Batting second, playing center field, number 7 Avery Parks. Batting third at shortstop, number 15 Katie Scheckel. Cleanup hitter for the Dutch doing the catching number 14 Lucy Carlson. Batting fifth at first base number 11 Ella Hiemstra. Batting sixth at second base, number 13 Abby Melvin. Batting seventh at third base number 1 Riley Parks. Batting eighth in right field number 6 Bray-Lynne Van Zante. Batting in the ninth position in left field, number 10 Elizabeth Thomas. Head coach for the Dutch, Katie Banowetz.

Now let's meet the home team, the Comets. Here are the non-starters. Number 4 Leah Muth. Number 6 Janie Zoske. Number 8 Mady Fetters. Number 13 Ava Fjelland. Number 15 Kelly Edwards. Number 17 Lilly Sanger. Number 20 Mallory Byrd. Number 21 Amelia Kelsick. Number 23 Reese Smithey. And number 44 Elin Spurgeon. Your assistant coaches, Brady Baumann, Tracy Klever and Sydney Carroll.

Now here's your starting lineup for the Comets of North Polk leading off in right field, number 1, Maddie Klever. Batting second in center field, number 2 Ava Koudelka. Batting third, doing the pitching, number 12 Ava Husak. Cleanup hitter for the Comets doing the catching, number 16 Lucy Lucas. Batting fifth at second base, number 10 Katelyn Klever. Batting sixth at first base, number 14 Tessa Dillinger. Batting seventh, the designated player number 25 Larissa Koth. Batting eighth at shortstop, number 19 Alex Mulkey. Batting in the ninth position, the left fielder, number 7 Audrey Lucas and your flex player at third base, number three Harper Lincoln. Head coach for the Comets Addy Pender.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, please turn your attention to the home plate area. The umpires assigned to this championship contest by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union. At first base, Jordan Hill. At third base, Greg Buster. And calling the balls and strikes today Stan Schmidt. All right, who's ready to win a state championship?

The energy cranks up to another notch on Championship Thursday and Friday. Let's take a look now at the North Polk defense across the outfield Lucas Koudelka Klever. Third base is Harper Lincoln, just an eighth grader. Mohlke and Klever up the middle. Dillinger at first. Lucas behind the dish and Ava Husak in the circle. And Ava Husak has just really found a groove here in Fort Dodge, hasn't she?

She's been a dominant pitcher. Her go-to pitch, she's been throwing the rise ball and drop ball. She also has a nice curveball on the outside corner of right-handed hitters across the season, 233 strikeouts. Only 25 walks. She throws to the zone and makes these hitters chase.

You see her numbers and the righty in the circle gets ready to face a very potent Pella batting order. And right off the gate, right out of the gates, Emma Eekhoff leads it off, makes it a really tough first batter of the game.

She's hit two home runs in this tournament. Yesterday it was a two run shot that got her team to this state championship, and she is followed by some very talented ballplayers for this Pella Dutch team.

The Parks sisters, just sophomores, had an older sister, played at UNI and Katie Scheckel has just been dynamite and has been really good here at the state tournament as well Semifinal win over fifth seeded ADM As Eekhoff gets ready to dig in and get things started, Husak headed to Drake. Emma Eekhoff, also a senior. She will play college softball at Indian River State College in Florida. First pitch from Husak in there for a strike. Emma Eekhoff for 60 for a batting average and two home runs here at the state tournament. Solid hit.

There's some power. Second pitch of the game. She's out ahead of it on Husak pulls that right over the media stand in left field.

Well, Abby, you dig through the record books of this state tournament. And for an individual tournament, there have not been any players to hit. In 43 home runs in a single tournament, the record is two. Has an opportunity, as she would put one over the fence today to become the first. Here's the one two pitch grounder to the shortstop. Mulkey. The throw across the diamond to Dillinger for out Number 1.

In for Pella doesn't necessarily have to be Eekhoff, but they're going to need a big hit. A big fireplug to get them started in this game. Really nice play here. By North Polk. They're looking calm, cool. Collected to start the game Mulkey just a sophomore her first year as a starter at that shortstop position.

Avery Parks the Dutch center fielder, looks at strike one. It's just under 300. That's a really good. I can draw some walks. Puts a bunt up. It gets up in the air but falls to the ground. Foul territory before Harper Lincoln, the eighth grader at third for North Polk can get to it. Parks went one for four in the quarterfinal round game against Xavier with a single, and would score a run.

And when she gets on, she's a definite threat to steal bases. So, if you're North Polk, she is someone you want to keep off the base paths. Today.

Parks takes on that zero two pitch. Good job. By Lucy Lucas to frame it behind the plate. The senior catcher for North Polk will play softball at DMACC next year. Swing and a miss. First strikeout of the game for Ava Husak.

And Ava Husak is not a pitcher who's going to fall behind in counts all day yesterday and so far today, she's getting zero two and one two on these hitters. So, she's able to throw with some spin for those punchout pitches.

Husak registered her 900th career strikeout on July 1st, and that's a rip to left field. But just fouled by a foot for Katie Scheckel And if you're Pella right now, I know your first two hitters to the plate have gotten out, but that's the second hard hit ball we've seen down that left field line. If you're Pella, you're feeling good, then making solid contact here in the first.

Yes, definitely.

Here's the oh one just below the zone.

And Husak will work low in the zone. That's where she thrives. It's a call she's going to want to get. But even if she's not trying to get these hitters to chase at that pitch.

Husak threw two perfect games this season and a flip left field, a base hit for Scheckel make sure there's no perfect game and will be no no hitter in this championship game. Scheckel is aboard with two outs.

A really nice job by Scheckel. The pitch gets her on the hands, but she's able to muscle through and drive it into left field.

Which brings Lucy Carlson to the plate. Carlson sophomore was one for two yesterday with a single. Was hit by a pitch in the semifinal win against Admiral. Is a power hitter. Has 26 RBIs on the season, just one home run. But four doubles. She can hit a gap if she gets a pitch to hit And Husak getting ahead zero one going with the rise ball missing above the zone.

But that's a pitch you're going to see out of her arsenal as well. Today.

One ball, one strike the count here with two away in the top of the first. And that one up and in for ball two. Pella hitters also looking very disciplined this first inning. Not chasing much.

Doing a really nice job so far. Swinging at the right pitches. And that's going to be absolutely critical against a pitcher like Husak. You make her stay in the zone, make her get deeper in counts. This is her third game of the week. Same with Eekhoff pitching for Pella going to be a little bit more wear and tear. If you're going to make her go deep in counts Both these teams played on Monday in the quarterfinals, and then yesterday in the semis.

So back-to-back days pitching not uncommon at all. But ball four to Lucy Carlson gives the Dutch two runners here in the top of the first and a runner in scoring position for Elah Hiemstra And these are opportunities that Pella needs to take advantage of early in this game.

You know, North Polk has the ability to put a ton of hits on the board. So, when Pella gets that runner in scoring position, they need to capitalize.

So courtesy runner on first base, Mallory Doschadis is in to run. And the first pitch to Hiemstra is upstairs.

And right now, Husak is struggling a little bit to control the rise. Ball continues to miss above the hands.

That one catches the bottom of the zone right at the knees. Elah Hiemstra helped the Dutch win that quarterfinal round game. They scored four runs in the sixth inning. Both pitchers for Pella and Cedar Rapids. Xavier had no hitters going through five, and then Pella exploded and Hiemstra delivered a two RBI single for the second and third runs of that game. And in an opportunity here in the championship game.

I tell you what, that first round game between Pella and Xavier, that first five innings only took about 45 minutes. It was so fast.

Pitchers were locked in and they were working. Braylen Conlon, the Cedar Rapids Xavier pitcher, is headed to the University of Iowa and Lauren Hagedorn, the pitcher for ADM, headed to Iowa State. So, Pella has seen some of the best talent here in Fort Dodge this week. Here's the two. Two. This is fisted up in the air and Lincoln the eighth grader underneath it and makes the catch for out number 3 two on for Pella. But North Polk gets out of the jam here in the top of the first inning So both teams get settled in here during this first inning, North Polk will get ready to face this defensive lineup with Thomas, Parks and Van Zante in the outfield. Riley Parks at third, Scheckel at short, Melvin at second, and Hiemstra at first base behind the dish. She's a sophomore. Lucy Carlson and she is catching Emma Eekhoff, the senior headed to Indian River State College in Florida for hundred career KS, seven strikeouts in the semis, eight in the quarterfinals. Impressive.

And I feel like she's just gotten better and better as the season has gone on. She has been incredible. This state tournament. I mean, she's only given up about 100 hits throughout the season. Her with 200 strikeouts, 100 hits. That's pretty impressive for any pitcher.

Has an incredible drop ball as well. You'll see plenty and will see these folks see that drop ball a lot as well. Madelyn Klever Koudelka Husak to lead things off as the order has gotten it done for North Polk really top to bottom. They have had some production. The semifinal win over North Scott, a ton of production out of the bottom half of the order. Just solid hitters and discipline. And Maddie Klever will lead things off. Sophomore had three runs driven in in the semifinal shows. Bunt pulls it back.

And Eekhoff right away on pitch number 1. And they did call that a strike. So, it is a zero one count. But drop ball right away Stan Schmidt, home plate umpire being asked to check with Greg Buster down the line. And you'll see right away Klever in this at first pitch, she was going with a drag bunt, getting her feet moving. Now as she's getting set, she is right at the front of the batter's box there, trying to get ahead of the drop.

Klever the batter. The sophomore right fielder played left field last year as a freshman Looks at ball two, first team all-conference this year. This has a great sense for the zone, according to Comets head coach Addy Pender.

And that's exactly what you want for your leadoff hitter. Get her up there, see some pitches, make the pitcher throw so the rest of your team is in the dugout and seeing what they're going to face throughout the entire game.

Swings and misses to make it two two. So much movement by the drop ball of Emma Eekhoff Here's a grounder right side. Abby Melvin, the second baseman. An easy scoop and flip to Hiemstra at first for out number 1.

And Eekhoff right away is showing us, I think, what we're going to see this entire game. Staying inside with that drop ball try and jam hitters, get the ball off the part of the bat that they're not going to produce any sort of power.

So, one up, one down by this Pella defense Ava Koudelka To the first pitch. Ball. Koudelka went two for four yesterday in the 11 to 3 semifinal win over seventh seeded North Scott with a double and a run. A grounder left side. It's stopped by Scheckel, but the throw will be, well late. I would mark that as an infield hit. Scheckel got to it and maybe could have made the play over at first, but we'll go base hit with the official scorer here.

Yeah, she's going way deep into the five six hole. That is a tough play to make across the diamond. And she was able to recover to get the ball and make the throw.

So, one on with only one out and Ava Husak the batter Husak a home run and a double. Yesterday she went three for three. Just a triple shy of the cycle.

What a way to help your own cause as a pitcher. Go three for three. Get yourself a single double and a home run in the win.

As we mentioned, Husak headed to Drake. Here's a grounder right side Melvin the flip to second in time gets the out at two. For six on the little flip from Melvin to Scheckel.

And you'll see all these North Polk hitters at the front of the zone. What a great job hanging on to the bag by Scheckel.

So, Ava Fjelland, the eighth grader in two runs. For That'll bring up to the plate. North Polk.

Lucas.

So Fjelland at one. Lucy Lucas Batter Eekhoff now is just stayed with that drop ball to every single one of these North Polk hitters.

And the North Polk hitters. So, what you'll notice with a pitcher throwing a lot of rise or drop balls, hitters will tend to either stand way up at the front or way in the back. So, the first three North Polk hitters stood at the front of the zone, tried to get ahead of the drop Lucy Lucas here. She's back foot on the back line of the box. She's going to let that drop happen before it gets to her. See it all the way in to try and hold off that pitch Two balls, no strikes on Lucas.

Eekhoff delivers hits, one over the outside edge for strike one. Emma Eekhoff yesterday, seven strikeouts allowed just one run on three hits walked just two and hit one batter. Had a no hitter through four innings And a great off speed there.

Catches Lucas off guard for the second strike.

So, two and two. You see the smile from Lucy Lucas.

I think the entire semifinal. She smiled the entire game. It was so fun to watch. She's having fun out here.

Can't tell if she's just cool, calm and collected or if that's a nervous smile. Here's a grounder, a little slow roller and wiggles foul Hiemstra charging.

I've coached Lucy in the past and I think she's just having fun. I don't think it's many nerves knowing her.

North Polk works a lot on their mental performance and really preparing for pressure situations to where you don't feel much of the pressure once you're in them. Here's the two, two, and that gets away from Carlson down to second goes Fjelland And it's a tough, tough task for Carlson behind the plate.

Anytime you're catching a pitcher who throws predominantly the drop ball, you have to be prepared to block. And she did a nice job there. Ball just got away on the bounce.

I've been able to see both of Pela's games here at the state tournament and Lucy Carlson. She works back there because there's a lot down in the dirt. A lot of times Eekhoff has batters chasing that pitch as well, but the discipline by Lucy Lucas will put two runners on here for North Polk and Katelyn Klever.

You bring up a good point. I mean, we give these pitchers so much credit for all they've done, both Husak, Husak and Eekhoff. The catchers behind the plate deserve just as much credit. Being able to continually block those drop balls. And with Husak, the rise balls, it's Lucas who's able to come up and frame that into the zone for her Amelia Kelsick courtesy running at first base for Lucas, the catcher and now Klever at the plate with two outs here in the bottom of the first on her way down to third, the throw goes into left field.

Fjelland on her way home, the play at the plate. She's safe. Kelsick gets to third and Eekhoff tracks down the ball. That made it all the way to the backstop, but Ava Fjelland a stolen base, takes third and then scores. The throw goes to the outfield.

And I tell you what, totally unexpected steal, I think. Caught everyone off guard and she was going to be safe regardless. You see, the obstruction call by the umpire. So even if the tag was made there, she would have been called safe at home plate.

So, there will be an error on the throw to left. The throw that went to left that helped score that run. Now Klever swung on and missed. No balls, two strikes now on Katelyn Klever. Klever, a senior, will play college softball at Wartburg. Coach Pender says she is a passionate player and just a competitor. As a sister on this team as well. Here's the oh two off the plate.

A good hold there by Klever. She knows that's off the zone. Typically a pitch. A lot of these pitchers can get the hitter to chase on.

Up.

Here's the one two and Klever battles that one off.

One nothing.

Emma Eekhoff really working that drop ball a lot. You hear from so many coaches. Find two pitches that you're really good at and you can stick with it.

Yes.

One, two. And Klever pops it into center field and Avery Parks is going to settle underneath it. But North Polk gets a run here in the bottom of the first. Who is Ava Fjelland? The stolen base and scored a run as Klever pops out to Parks to end the first one.

Complete.

So, after 1A10 contest. And here is a look at your for bracket with Pella working against. Xavier and Admiral and North Polk making their way into the tournament with a win over Western Dubuque and then North Scott yesterday. An 11 three win for North Polk in the semifinals. Otherwise, some very close one run games. Well, don't miss a minute of today's championship action. Catch the live stream on YouTube and Iowa PBS. And tell your friends about it, too. If they're out of the state, they can watch. They're on the other side of the world. Pull it up on YouTube. Coming to you live from Fort Dodge. Third place game is final. ADM, A21 win over North Scott, two runs in the bottom of the seventh for ADM So we move to the second inning Pella with 678 coming to the plate, left two on board. Abby Melvin will lead things off single in the second in the semifinals, and she has a hit in the second in the championship game. It is a double. She's going to try and make it a triple. The throw coming from Scheckel. She's safe.

Wow. Talk about some hustle there. From Melvin to start this second inning. And Pella is hyped up in their dugout.

To face the number 1.

North Polk on that one. Just unable to cut the ball off in center field. And look at coach at third base.

Got past Ava Koudelka out there in center and it goes down as a triple to lead off the second inning. Now Riley Parks the batter, slap attempt goes foul Riley Parks the sophomore. Singles scored a run in the fifth. Yesterday. Was the left fielder in 2024. Now confident at that third base position. And that pitch is over the head of Lucas.

Really smart baserunning there by Melvin the net behind home plate. If it comes off hard enough, it's coming right back towards home. So that would have been a very close play at the plate.

Here's the one one and a bunt attempt by Parks Turns into strike two.

It's this part of the lineup that Pella needs production from today. They need the bottom of the order to be able to produce a run here to keep this thing tied.

Riley Parks the one, two and a called strike three. Husak gets Park watching her second of the game Six Husak just painting the outside corner.

Lucy Lucas getting her glove around it. A great strikeout for the pair So one away now.

Runner on third. Van Zante pops it up and a great effort from Lucas diving straight back. That senior gives effort on every single.

Play.

She's going to play softball at DMACC. She has worked with Ava since fifth grade and has done an excellent job of working with Ava and reading her, knowing exactly what she needs.

It makes a difference when these pitchers and catchers have worked together so long. We have a safety squeeze here.

The out is made at first and safe at home is Abby Melvin. Here's another look. Watch the runner Melvin waiting for that throw and then scores easily And I would have liked to see Harper Lincoln at third base.

Look that runner back. Make sure she's not scoring in this game. Every single run is so, so important. These two teams played earlier this month. It was A31 ball game. These runs matter.

North Polk got that win. It started what is now an 11-game win streak. And for Pella, that was their last loss of this season. They have won seven straight since that game. First pitch a ball to Elizabeth Thomas the batter. Thomas the senior left fielder, has lots of speed trying to start something with two outs and nobody on here in the second one run in for the Pella Dutch.

And Husak dialing it in. She wants to get the bats back in her hands right now.

So, one ball, two strikes on Thomas. Husak two strikeouts. Already trying to get Thomas to chase upstairs Thomas zero for three yesterday, zero for three in the quarterfinals as well. Swings and misses at strike three. So, three strikeouts for Husak and Pella, however, takes the lead. A one nothing score here after one and a half Husak strikeout for out number 3.

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One run in the bottom of the first and a run in the top of the second as Pella able to get it back and we go to the bottom of the second inning. North Polk 678. In the order coming to the plate, that begins with Tessa Dillinger. And a first pitch ball.

First pitch drop ball.

We'll see plenty of those. You see, Dillinger hitting over 350. It's a great job at the plate. Another kid always has a smile on her face. He's the one called strike.

And a great pitch there by Eekhoff. She switches it up, attacks the inside of the zone on Dillinger.

Here's a base hit into left field and it gets by Elizabeth Thomas around second, headed for third is Dillinger sliding and safely. Tessa Dillinger She provides a spark here in the second inning from the leadoff spot.

How about that pellet does it in the top of the second? North Polk says, watch this. We can do it too. Dillinger gets it past the left fielder and she is off to the races all the way to third to start this bottom of the second.

And this will get scored as a single and an error on the left fielder. So, Dillinger is at third base, credited with a single, but a huge spark using that speed to set up Larissa Koth.

And I mentioned earlier yesterday, one through nine, every spot in this North Polk lineup got a hit. They are productive one through nine. That is something to watch in this lineup.

All season long two you'll see the numbers North Polk their team batting average the best it has been in five years. Yeah, they really focus on attacking each at bat and they promote having productive at bats. That doesn't always mean you get a hit, but they talk about winning the next pitch. Here's the two zero and a grounder rolls foul.

And the big thing coaches are looking for is quality at bats. A quality at bat can be you get deep into account. You move a base runner, you sacrifice yourself for a teammate, or possibly you get a hit, a home run is also a quality at bat, but it doesn't have to be the big hit all the time.

Sometimes it's solid contact that might go right to a fielder Pitch drops off the zone now. Three balls and a strike North Polk locked in on this drop ball from Emma Eekhoff not chasing much here early in these innings. Lead off single for Dillinger, who stands at third. And ball four. Now to Larissa Koth. And there's two aboard.

Here in the Dutch and so Koth.

The DP will be replaced by Harper Lincoln the flex player who will come in to run.

North Polk here in a situation ready to attack Mulkey Lincoln Three for four in the game yesterday. Two singles and a double. So, she has been swinging a very hot bat this week.

One of her singles and a two RBI single that came in the third of the semifinals and tries to put the bunt down and wiggles foul so no balls and a strike There you see Dillinger at third base for North Polk. The three seed, the home team. Since Pella is the eight seed here in this four, A bracket. Here's the 012. Mulkey With Pella this week.

Some would call it a Cinderella story, but truly this team does not feel that way. They have been playing great not only this week, but coming into this tournament. Eekhoff is at her best. This entire team has been at their best in the month of July.

Coming.

Here's the one one swung on and missed Strike two. So Mulkey. Her first year as a starter is just a sophomore, which Pender calls her a really hard worker just a big-time competitor. Same can be said about Eekhoff the pitcher and Mulkey fights that one off.

Mulkey doing a really nice job. She's down in this count. She knows she has to do whatever she can to keep herself alive on that pitch. Harper Lincoln at first base, starting to get a jump, wondering if we might see some movement over there.

Harper Lincoln the third baseman. We can talk about that flex DP situation, but she's in a run right now and this is chopped foul again. Mulkey fighting pitches off.

We talk about quality at bats. And this is exactly what we're talking about when I say that going deep into account fouling off pitches.

It makes the pitcher and really the defense work just that much harder.

And your on base runners Harper Lincoln over there, I think has tried to steal three times in this at-bat.

Here's another one to. And that pitch is upstairs. Two balls, two strikes. Pender again saying win the next pitch. To Alex Mulkey. Eekhoff the two. Two. Just outside and the count runs full.

And that's just Mulkey knowing the zone. Knowing not to chase that pitch off the plate outside.

That's what you're talking about. Top to bottom. The number eight hitter knowing the zone, not chasing on a two-strike pitch. Here's the eighth pitch of this at bat. Slapped right side, caught by Melvin at second. And the double play at first and back safely to third is Dillinger. Pella with a huge defensive play. Let's take another look.

And that hit hard off Mulkey's bat catches the runner in No Man's land and Dillinger able to slide back safe into third.

There. Number 7 Audrey Lucas.

So, a double play and Dillinger tagging and taking a few steps towards home to see if the defense was paying attention and drew the throw from Hiemstra. And we go to the top of the order. First pitch strike for Maddie Klever. Excuse me. Audrey Lewis, the batter And the number 9 spot.

And Audrey Lucas is a triple threat at the plate. You'll see shown drag bunt. There. Now, down in the count. Looking to hit away.

Lucas one for three in the semifinals. Win over North Scott. Here is the oh two. Eekhoff trying to get her to chase. Eekhoff doesn't mind throwing a couple chase pitches when she gets ahead in.

The count. Lucy Carlson set up off the plate outside. That was 100% going to be a chase.

Pitch is the one two hit very hard, but foul on that first base side. Lewis with a heck of a rip with two strikes right there Audrey Lewis, younger sister of Lucy Lucas. Here is the one two pitch fights. That one off.

And a great job by Lucas. Just get the bat out to it. Not even a full swing, just anything to make contact. Keep yourself alive.

So, with two outs and one on. Here's the one. Two. Just missing the zone. What a take by Lucas.

This bottom half of the order making Eekhoff work.

There's a slap right side that's caught in foul territory for out number 3. Elah Hiemstra with the snag at first. And it was a lead off single where Dillinger was at third base to lead off this inning. But North Polk could not push her in. And so, no runs after that one hit and leaving one stranded. Well, let's take a look at North Polk pitcher Ava Husak as the Comets defense comes out.

Ava Husak just a ton of power in that pitch. You see her driving through her legs and you'll see the spin in this pitch. Getting that upward movement on the ball. She is a powerful player for the North Polk Comets Want to remind you to stay connected with Iowa PBS sports, no matter where you're watching from.

Join the conversation. Follow us on Facebook and ECS and use Hashtag Iowa PBS sports right there. Gentlemen, in the white T-shirt right there checking out what is on Facebook or X, but he's definitely checking Iowa PBS sports.

I bet.

He is. I think.

Yeah.

Yeah, For a state championship.

I don't know what else he would be checking.

He's locked in. He's here to tell you what The crowds have been awesome, haven't they? The energy that you get from the crowds and the dugouts here.

And every year it feels like this for a class, regardless of what team it is, brings a student section. I absolutely love.

It.

First pitch strike on Emma Eekhoff who's leading off here in the top of the third?

We've only played two innings. These two teams right now very evenly matched. Two hits, one run, both of them will be starting the inning with the leadoff hitter.

Pop fly left side and it goes foul hits the media lift, knocks the sign over. Everybody's okay, though it appears so. Now. Two strikes on Emma Eekhoff. We should mention too with this Pella Dutch squad. Second seeded Pella baseball teams in the three a title game against top seeded Wahlert. That will be Friday at noon in Sioux City. That's right on the way. Fort Dodge. You got the baseball section. They're halfway there.

They're ready for it. They want more from the parents section as well. There's the Dutch students. Out in full force. Emma Eekhoff at the plate. Game tied. One one. She grounded out to shortstop. Alexandra Mohlke in her first at bat, slaps it right side. Oh my goodness, what a diving catch by Madelyn Klever All week we have seen the defense shine at this state tournament.

And once again Maddie Klever in right field lays it all out on the line for her squad. How about that for a grab.

Well now PCM made Sports Center’s number 2 play of the day yesterday with a home run robbery right here on this field.

That entire game the defense I have never seen anything like it. I have announced a lot of different levels of softball. There was probably four web gems in that game that could have been on the SportsCenter top ten. It was incredible PCM, and PCM and Wahlert it was Libby Winters Pulled one back yesterday. And her arm was probably two feet over the fence when she brought that ball back in to fair play.

Just a freshman I believe as well. He may see it the next three years here at state. That one's up in the zone. So, two balls and a strike. Avery Parks. Struck out in the first inning Here's the two one. And called strike two.

And.

Parks knew it right after she let it go. Parks looks at that one upstairs count runs full.

A rise ball there by Husak just above the zone. You'll notice that from her she tries to throw the rise ball as a chase pitch, but also one like that. See if she can't get a strike call as well Up and in and Parks able to foul it off.

Avery Parks trying to find her way on with one out here in the third inning for the Pella Dutch. The eight seed tied one one with the third seeded North Polk Comets of the championship game and fouling off another pitch.

Avery Parks just fouling them off one by one. Regardless of where it's pitched, she's getting her bat to it So we have the eighth pitch of the at-bat coming for Avery Parks Husak trying to register another strikeout and she gets.

It Strikeout number 4 for Husak.

And there's two down here in the third.

Scheckel and Husak has been dominant so far against the top of this Pella lineup. One of their keys to success for North Polk was keep the top part of this lineup quiet Katie Scheckel a single in her first at bat, looks at strike one, hitting the outside corner is Husak.

Scheckel a single out to left field would be stranded at second in the first inning Two out. Scheckel a junior shortstop, a good fielder. And power hitter, she went two for three yesterday, zero for two in the quarterfinals, but had two walks, including an intentional walk in that quarterfinal round win over Xavier.

And Scheckel comes to the plate with a split grip on her bat, something you don't see a ton in softball, but you see a couple of inches between her hands at the plate.

Is that one? Back into the stands if you talk to. I didn't ask Scheckel specifically about it, but I've talked to other players about it. It's just something they get comfortable with. They try it and it feels comfortable. They stick with it and then they practice it.

Yeah, it's a matter of comfort. You see, some college teams will go entirely to it, but rare in high school to see entire teams do it. But I mean, you just have to line up where you're comfortable. It gives that top hand more power through the zone.

And curves off the strike zone For ball three. Here's the three two. This is fisted up into the air and Katelyn Klever. The senior settles underneath it for out number 3. So, three up three down here in the third inning as the North Polk defense settles in And one more strikeout for Husak for North Polk. And speaking of pitchers, let's go. Emma Eekhoff in slow motion.

I tell you what, Eekhoff is going to work down in the zone. We talk about Husak throwing that rise ball Eekhoff is all drop ball. It's going to come at your waist and it's the bottom of it will fall right out on you as you're trying to swing. She has been so, so dominant so far this tournament for the Pella Dutch Here's our upcoming high school sports that's coming only on Iowa PBS.

Girls Volleyball state Championships Iowa high school football, state championships coming in November, as well as boys wrestling, girls basketball, and boys basketball. As we welcome the boys high school athletic Association to the Iowa PBS Sports family, it's going to be a lot of fun. As is the rest of this. For a championship game, we move to the bottom of the third inning. Top of the order Maddie Klever will lead things off Top of the order for North Polk right fielder Maddie Klever. Klever steps out. Made that web jam worthy play out in right field as you have a lot of plays, both defensive plays. We've had Grand Slams. I know of at least three Grand Slams. We've had this week. I think.

It'd.

Be state softball tournament, a load of home runs.

Put together, a highlight package from the whole tournament. I mean, it would be fun to watch.

It's incredible. There's a lot of highlights, too. Floating around social media, a new platform I a softball that had a heavy presence here at State. It's a lot of fun seeing all of these kids hard work pay off and then get recognized, get seen by so many people across the state. If you see something in your feed, give it a share. Here's the one one. It's one two.

Eekhoff slowing it down between pitches a little more than she usually does. Usually she's on the rubber. She's ready to go right away, taking her time between pitches. Right now, it's kind of keeping Klever a little off balance in the batter's box.

She threw a lot of pitches in that second inning. The bottom of the order made her work, and there's a drop ball that's slapped out into left field by Maddie Klever So the highlight defensively and the base hit to start the third.

Now as you mentioned just that drop ball going low in the zone. But Klever able to throw her hands down to it and poke that ball into right field or excuse me left field.

6:00 flight buzzing over top of Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex here in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Ava Koudelka the batter. Lead off single for Klever. Snap! Throw down to first and back safely in time is Maddie Klever, Maddie's mom. Tracy Klever is the assistant coach in stands at first base. Tracy, the mom of both Maddie and Caitlin.

Klever nothing like your own mom yelling at you to get back on the base. Nice bunt.

Bunt by Koudelka first base side and just getting Koudelka at first. About the hustle by Eekhoff to get to that as Hiemstra then slid back to cover first.

A very, very close play at first base. We've seen several teams in the state tournament keep their first basemen back on the bunt, forcing Eekhoff to make the play down the line. But a job well done by North Polk Maddie Klever, now at second in scoring position for the heart of this North Polk lineup And Ava Husak, the batter.

Husak a fielder's choice in her first at bat Grounder to the second baseman. Melvin, who flipped. It to get Koudelka out at second.

I don't know if we're in a situation yet where you want to intentionally pitch around any hitters, but we are in a situation where you need to be careful with Ava Husak at the plate. We're in A11 ball game in the bottom of the third, heading into the middle of this game, A31 game is a lot different than a 1 to 1 ball game.

Ten home runs on the season. For Husak coming into the state tournament hit one yesterday in the semis when she went three for three. Down in the dirt. Good block behind the dish by Lucy Carlson to keep Klever at second.

As the catcher. Keep that ball in front and the runner will stay.

Three one Husak draws the walk and you're okay with that?

I'm totally okay with that. That is not a bad walk. Pella now with the force at third base. Also the double play opportunity up the middle.

Courtesy runner Ava Fjelland comes back into the game. Fjelland scored North Polk only run of the game in the first inning, when she was courtesy running for Husak advanced to second on a wild pitch, then stole third and scored as the throw went into left field. She stands at first with Maddie Klever at second. And Lucy Lucas The batter walked in her first at.

Bat.

She was left stranded at third. First pitch strike from Emma Eekhoff. One out Eekhoff trying to get out of. This third inning.

That one just off the plate outside a good hold by Lucas to even this count Lucy Lucas the catcher a vocal leader defensively.

Does a great job working pitches and having that catcher's perspective as a hitter can sometimes help you. You certainly know the strike zone By the time you're getting to the.

Plate, you do. And I mean being a vocal leader, that's exactly what you want from your catcher. She is truly the leader of the defense needs to be in charge, in control at all times.

What Here's the two one grounder rolls right side and foul before Hiemstra is able to get a glove on it. So, two balls, two strikes goes the count The go ahead run and Lucas that protective pad on her right elbow Digs in two balls, two strikes. And calls. Time and wants to reset. That's some really nice pink batting gloves. 2 or 1, I guess.

Goes with.

The one glove. Really bright. It fits.

The Iowa.

Girl feel, though, of the Iowa girls high school Athletic Union.

How about new this year? The big logo in center field and down the lines really bringing the pink. I love that. That is so cool.

New addition here.

In.

2025. Avery Parks parked right at the top of the Iowa girl.

And for a week of center fielders running on, it still looks really nice.

Really good shape, isn't.

It?

Crew here.

At Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex does a fantastic job called strike three.

Lucy Lucas down on strikes and there's two away. First strikeout of the game for Eekhoff.

And it couldn't have come at a better time. That is a huge out for this Pella Dutch defense, leaving those runners at first and second. Now with two outs.

So, Katelyn Klever at the plate. Younger sister Maddie Klever at second. Fjelland at first and Caitlin looks at strike one. Katelyn Klever in her fourth trip to state, went her eighth-grade year and now as a sophomore, junior and senior, finally making it to the title game. Fouls that one away. No balls, two strikes She said I have been working for this for five years. Again, North Polk in their 19th state tournament, third consecutive for Pella. Just their second state softball tournament in school history. The only other year, 2015. Here's the oh two grounder to the third baseman. Parks tough play and just gets Klever in time. Riley Parks the sophomore. Helps Pella get out of the jam. Two on but two left on as Parks with the clean throw. Gets the hustling Klever. We head to the fourth.

I'm Andrew Bot, executive director and general manager at Iowa PBS.

And I'm Chris Cuellar, communications director for the Iowa High School Athletic Association.

We're thrilled to announce that for the first time ever, Iowa PBS is bringing live coverage of IHS AA championships in football, wrestling and basketball We know our fans have been asking for easily accessible championship coverage through this partnership with Iowa PBS.

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Enjoy the excitement of the IHSAA Boys Championships starting in November, featuring all seven classes of football finals It's time for the top of the fourth inning.

Pella comes to the plate. A good one here through the first three innings, one one score. Pella with two hits. North Polk with three hits and Ava Husak in the circle. First pitch To Lucy Carlson a ball. Husak 75% of her first pitches have been strikes on batters in those first three innings.

She likes to get ahead in the count. She really attacks the zone early on. These hitters. A rare at-bat for her here behind two and oh.

And Carlson looks at a strike. You talked to Lucy Carlson after yesterday's semifinal win and said our mentality this week has been we know we're a good team. We just need to keep battling Lucy's brothers in the baseball tournament. Oh, what a snag. By Husak. There's one away Really tough on parents for families that have a kiddo in the baseball tournament and the softball tournament this year, playing the same week.

Luckily, the championships on different days for them, so I'm sure a lot of families. We talked about the student section earlier, but a lot of families going from Fort Dodge to Sioux City tomorrow 12:00 Friday Pella the two seed will take on top seeded Waller.

Right now, the softball team, the eight seed taking on third seeded North Polk.

I don't know.

Sex pitch off the plate. Two balls, no strikes. Maybe it's the announcer. Jinx. Where I say 75% of her first pitches were strikes.

and.

The first two batters here in the fourth. See a pair of balls Elah Hiemstra. The batter slaps that good pitch, right side and a diving play by Caitlin Klever, the senior who's headed to Wartburg.

It is tough to sneak in any hits on this defense when they're laying out like that, Ava Husak appreciates the work by Klever at second.

Doubling up second baseman.

Abby so Abby Melvin now the batter. Good.

Look at.

Klever There's that first pitch strike we've been talking about.

She heard you Melvin led off the second inning with a triple, slapped it to right center, rolled all the way to the fence, and you saw the full speed of Melvin on display. And two pitches in a row here. Husak is throwing fire. She's getting that upward spin on the ball and she is throwing it hard.

Husak drew. The walk was pumped up the bottom of the third, just off the plate. Didn't miss by much. That's a great zero two pitch, isn't it?

I love it, you're 1 to 2 balls off the plate outside, see if you can get the hitter to chase or possibly get that strike call.

Melvin on the one two chases upstairs. Strike three and it's three up, three down. The fifth strikeout for Husak comes here in the fourth. We watch it again.

Just a great pitch by Husak. North Polk is loving it right now.

WNBA all right. Well, so far Pella and North Polk. This has been a barn burner. Last time these two teams met, it was A31 decision. North Polk got the win, but we are joined now with Pella Dutch head coach Katie Banowetz. Coach, how is the team settling into this championship environment so far?

Yeah, obviously the first couple of innings were a little nervous, but now I feel like we're starting to settle in and kind of get into our groove. Outfielders are finally getting some balls for the first time in a while, so kind of taking a deep breath and enjoying the moment.

And what's the approach you guys have seen? Ava Husak through the order now what's the approach? Second time through, and how are you going to rack up a few more runs?

Yeah, the biggest thing that we've been saying get that front side down early, keep your hands high. Just trying to go attack something early in the count before she can go ahead and get something. Trying to get us with her rise.

Ball and coach Noah. No wedding mishap so far today. Nothing that's changed your routine.

Not yet.

No.

Got a couple more days for that to happen.

Coach, thanks a lot for joining us.

Thank you.

All right. Pella Dutch head coach Katie Banowetz getting married on Saturday. As this is one of the best stories I think I heard all week, there is the fiancé Josh Mayhue, as he's also a high school teacher and coach as he coaches girls wrestling, girls track and field and football and the kids were telling me in the post-game interview, they're like, coach made a promise to. Us that if we win state, we get to all go to coach's wedding. Okay? And so, coach, I got her story. She's like, well, we got engaged last year. And so that was the deal I made with them last year. So, they're getting married on Saturday now. So, I asked Josh, all right, all.

Right.

Josh what do we what do we do? He's like, I heard the kids are going to try and find us. He's like, this is what you can tell people. Championship game Thursday. The rehearsal is Friday, the wedding is Saturday, and the reception is at an unknown location. I could not get it out of him. Where the reception is at.

They will never find out.

He said he may have a bouncer on hand, so Pella Dutch softball team. You have been warned.

Good luck With trying to earn the right into your coach's wedding.

Well, they're doing a good job so far this game. A 1 to 1 ball game. Pella. This needs to be a close matchup till the end.

Bottom of the fourth here. One ball, two strikes I mentioned earlier North Polk yesterday had 16 hits in the semifinal.

Their bats have been much quieter today in the Championship.

Slap right side to Abby Melvin, second baseman. Makes the easy flip over to Elah Hiemstra for out number 1.

Coming up, designated Player Larissa Koth.

Pella has been charged with two errors. The run in the first inning that was given up an unearned run due to that error.

On The batter, Larissa Koth The DP.

Emma Eekhoff registered her 400th career strikeout this season. Pumps a strike in there. Emma Eekhoff, by the way, want to talk? First pitch strikes just 50% of the batters in the first three innings.

And it's been just as effective is the thing with the drop ball. She knows she's not going to always throw it for a strike, but it's been so effective in keeping these hitters on their toes.

And now ahead, no balls, two strikes on Koth. Koth drew a walk in the second inning. In her first at bat. Here's the zero two pitch. And that's slapped left side. Oh, juggling nearly catch by Katie Scheckel. It was in her glove and then flipped out as she tried to secure it. And that was a hard hit ball. That'll go down as a single.

This ball just peppered off her bat That would have been an amazing play regardless, though Able to keep it in the infield and limit the damage to a single.

Alex Mulkey is now the batter The grounder up the middle that's going to get into center field for a base hit and there's two Comets aboard here in the fourth.

Plays it up the middle for moves to second. That'll.

Mulkey attacking early in the count. Goes right between Eekhoff legs. North Polk starting to play a little bit of base-to-base softball.

Getting it done in the bottom half of the order. Once again, you see production up and down this North Polk lineup. Audrey Lucas is now the batter she lined out to the first baseman. Elah Hiemstra in her first at bat. That came in the second, and now runners off the bases retreating as Lucy Carlson fakes the throw to second to send Koth back to the base.

I like the drag bunt call there, Audrey Lucas unable to get the bunt down, but got the defense moving, keeping them keep the defense guessing in this situation.

Here's a grounder slap. Eekhoff going to try and go to third. Oh, and gets the force. What a play.

Wow. A bold, bold move by Eekhoff. That is not your typical play. You'll see on a slap. Having your pitcher spin all the way around to get the lead runner.

Might see it with a left-handed pitcher. Maybe if they go to third right away, it's an easier.

99% of the time.

Still going to first, right?

Right-handed pitcher. 99% of the time is going to first.

Here's a grounder foul territory. Right side. All right I was talking to Emma Eekhoff, too, about this whole wedding deal that they had with head coach Katie Banowetz. She said Coach Banowetz mom came to all the players and said, make this the most stressful week of her life.

I mean, I think in a good way. Yeah.

In a good way. Right? Like she meant well.

They're doing a good job of it.

Coach Barno says the players moms have been super supportive She said they came to me right after the regional final and said, what do you need for the wedding? That was the moms top priority. All the parents chipping in. Maddie Klever no balls, two strikes.

A high stakes situation. North Polk two runners on foul ball by Klever North Polk has been able to get runners on base throughout this game just not able to really move him around.

You have Mulkey at second, Lucas at first as Eekhoff got Koth out at third on a groundout. Now there's two away. Any base will get you out of the inning. Klever looks at one off the plate and that is just ball one in this at bat.

Eekhoff very rarely goes to that off speed pitch, but ahead. Oh, and two she knows she doesn't need to throw it for a strike.

A11 game here in the fourth. Here's the one two pop fly right field and Bray-Lynne Van Zante underneath. It makes the catch and Pella gets out of the inning. After two runners are aboard for innings. Are complete and the Pella defense strands two more runners. That is six in this game. As we've seen fantastic defensive plays and some good at bats. And now we bring in North Polk head coach Addy Pender coach, how is your Comets squad settling in here to the Championship vibes in Fort Dodge?

Yeah, this is awesome. They're doing a really good job of staying composed and not letting the moment become too big.

And what are you seeing from your lineup today? I know 16 hits yesterday. What do you want to see as the game goes on to produce that winning run?

Yeah, just a game of adjustments. We got to keep putting the ball in play and keep barreling it up, and we'll score some runs here.

Coach Ava Husak five strikeouts. Do you like what you've seen out of your senior pitcher?

Yeah, absolutely. She's fired up. And that's what we need out there.

Coach, thank you very much for your time.

Thank you.

All right. Addy Pender North Polk Comets, head coach Allie also engaged and getting married will be getting married later this fall. But her fiancé, Zach Ostendorf, is up in the stands sitting next to Addie's number 1 fan. Grandpa Ed Pender. He is here in the house. I was able to talk with Grandpa Ed and man, I tell you what, he is fired up for these North Polk Comets.

So.

Cool!

And you have to think he's been to quite a few softball games between Addie's and now her coaching career.

Oh, collision over by first base and Riley Parks is going to be called out for interfering with the defender. Tessa Dillinger.

And that is the correct call. Dillinger going for the ball. The runner Needs to make way. See? She's way out towards the pitcher. Out of the base path.

The linebacker. Ball. So, you know. The defender was in the play.

So, coach Pender asking home plate. Umpire. Stan Schmidt for an explanation as he gives one.

And that's tough. I mean, when you're running towards first base, it's hard to get yourself right on the line. But she's 3 or 4ft into fair play. You have to let Dillinger feel that ball Coming back out of play by Bray-Lynne Van Zante. I think, though, something to point out, neither player was injured in that collision. I mean, they were both going full speed. Could have been a lot worse than it was.

Both players doing what they're supposed to be doing. You bunt it up, you got to run it out in case it stays fair and Dillinger charging to try and make the play. One Van Zante sac bunt in the second inning It's the one one off the plate. Two balls and a strike. When I was talking to Grandpa Pender Ali, he started telling me everything about Addy Pender. You know, she was an assistant at Johnson Down Center-grimes. He was a fly ball, right field. Madelyn Klever underneath her to make the catch two away Enjoyed watching her play. Two played at Johnston. Played with Brooke Wilms, who will be inducted into the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Hall of Fame tonight. Coming up in the five A game. So, stay tuned As coach, Pender was a catcher since she started playing appearance. Sherry and Jay got her started and grandpa's 92 years old. And here battling the heat. As he grew up in Council Bluffs, said he didn't get to play high school ball, played some American League, American Legion baseball, but was a pretty good basketball player back in the day. Here's the oh one. Fouled straight back by Elizabeth Thomas. No balls, two strikes.

In both Thomas foul balls so far have been hard hit off her bat straight back. She has it timed up pretty well just underneath it right now.

Good fans on here. Some of them still tracking down that Iowa PBS sports tag. Here's the oh two. Swung on and missed strike out number six for Ava Husak as she adds another here in the top of the fifth. Bottom of the five North Polk opportunity to break this tie.

Next A little over an hour. It's time and join with me. So far out to the ball game.

These two teams have been fun and the fans are going to enjoy fifth inning stretch. Let's join in. This is my best part of Fort Dodge softball. Tim Fitzpatrick on the mic, folks.

Two three. Take me out to the ball game. Take me out to the crowd, buy me some peanuts and cracker Jack. I don't care if I ever get back for it's root, root, root for the if they don't win. It's a shame for it's three strikes. You're out at the whole ball game Hey, nice job.

Nice job. They get the crowd pumped up. We've got the dugout cam here. Allie, you pointed out the big girls Union logo in center field. They had a T-shirt cannon that they were firing off this week as well. Shooting T-shirts into the crowd. And yesterday the wind was about, what, 15 mile an hour, maybe gusting a little bit more. You had to be a deadeye to try and hit the stands with the T-shirt cannon. The only person that I saw able to hit the stands with the T-shirt cannon was Aaron Gerlich, the executive director of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union. She dropped some bombs on there, and that's a fair ball right over the base for Ava Koudelka, who gets held to a single. Great hustle by Elizabeth Thomas, the senior left fielder and North Polk starts off the fifth inning with a base hit.

And you said it the hustle by Thomas to keep this in front of her and limit the damage to just a single. But now Ava Husak the dangerous bat in this comet lineup up to the plate.

Tracked it down in that hashtag. Iowa girl painted in foul territory. Husak walked in her last at bat, grounded into a fielder's choice back in the first inning. Husak also six strikeouts through five innings, has given up one run on two hits and stranded two runners. Slaps this one over top of third and off the glove of Riley Parks as that's a very tough play. Parks running backwards, trying the over the shoulder catch. Couldn't come up with it.

And a great hustle by Parks but just loses her footing at the very beginning. And Husak is going to get a courtesy runner here.

We'll take another look at this one.

You see, just gets right on the palm of the glove.

And this gets scored as a single. It will not be an error scored as a single as Riley Parks the third baseman. There always at least two steps in front of that third base bag. She had to cover a lot of ground to get back to get to the ball. Now Lucy Lucas to the plate. Ava Fjelland In to run for Husak at first. Koudelka at second and Lucas fouls it back.

And a critical moment here for the sacrifice bunt. Needing to get the runners moved into scoring position last inning. In our conversation with Coach Pender, she didn't seem too worried. She said. The runs are coming. We just have to wait and see when. But this seems like the prime opportunity for North Polk.

Back-to-back singles to open up the bottom of the fifth. Koudelka and Husak coming up at the plate now Lucy Lucas the batter puts one down first base side and Eekhoff lets it roll. Foul. What a heads up play.

Well, played by Emma Eekhoff. That would have been a bunt single for Lucas right down the line.

Two Lucas put it in a great spot just slid a little bit and a foul territory and back to the plate. She goes now behind. No balls, two strikes. Eekhoff the zero two. Throws one down. Low.

Zero two. There she showed bunt twice. Just seeing if she could get the defense to move. Typically not a bunt situation when you have two strikes, but they need these runners moving.

There's the one two and Lucas does a good job holding Lucas The senior catcher will play softball at DMACC. She said she just loves what the DMACC program has. The family feel. There loves Coach Liguori. Two balls, two strikes. Lucas grounds it. Right side gets past Eekhoff. Melvin picks it up, gets the out as runners advance to second and third. And there's one.

Out and that turns into the same thing. A sacrifice bunt would have been. Just had to do it in the more unconventional way. But North Polk, now runners with second and third, you see Lucas here just getting right on top of that. A nice job to get the ground ball to the right side.

Second baseman.

So, Katelyn Klever now comes up in a critical moment here. One out, two runners in scoring position for the comets. First pitch hammered towards left field and goes foul. Some hitters go up. You look for your pitch and Katelyn Klever found her pitch. There Klever like her teammate Lucas will play college ball next year. Caitlin headed to Wartburg to be a night. Here's the oh one bunt. Pushed right side and Hiemstra comes up to fielded in fair territory and North Polk takes the lead. Koudelka scores from third on the sacrifice bunt by Caitlin Klever.

A perfectly executed squeeze play here by North Polk right down the line. She's taken off all the way. Not even a play at home plate. North Polk up 2 to 1.

So, two down now. The Fjelland advancing to third on the play. So still an opportunity 60ft away to put another run in Tessa Dillinger Looks at ball one. Dillinger one for two. Single came in the second inning. She ended up at third base on that as they charged the air to Elizabeth Thomas. Here's the one zero and. Foul ball.

Play right there, Mallory Byrd Tessa Dillinger We saw Rick Dillinger in the stands before this game started.

Tessa's grandpa a name a lot of Iowa high school softball fans know.

Grounder right side Melvin handles it nicely. Grandpa. Longtime coach in the high school ranks. Spent some time as an assistant at the University of Iowa and North Polk adds a run, takes A21 lead after five innings. This for a championship game. Ava Husak the pitcher headed to Drake Out to try and work through the top of the order, which is coming up for Pella. We'll see Emma Eekhoff lead things off., and I know it's only the sixth inning.

We still have six outs left for both these teams, but right now is the opportunity for this Pella Dutch.

Let's take a look at some of our highlights here of our game thus far. In the first inning.

North Polk going with the steal, able to come all the way around to get the run up first.

And then Pella got to work the bunt. The throw to first and then the throw home. Not in time. As Abby Melvin scored after her leadoff triple.

And then it was Klever squeeze play to bring the runner around, take the lead 2 to 1 heading here into the sixth inning There is Grandpa Pender.

92 years old and loves this softball team and Just loves what Addie has built here. And just the energy around the kids that she has going And just as she's learned from some fantastic coaches, but she is certainly showing she is one heck of a coach herself. As Addy Pender played at Johnston High School, a state runner up as a sophomore and senior state champion in 2014. On the All-Tournament team, teammates with Brooke Willms played at Luther College was part of that Luther D3 World Series team in OKC. Placed third in that national tournament, a catcher her whole life. And you know, you've been talking how catchers have to be leading that defense.

Catchers make some great coaches and just they know the game So, so well And I just mentioned it before. If Pella is going to attack this is the inning they need to do at top of the lineup up with Eekhoff looking to help her own cause. And Husak strategically staying off the plate outside.

So, three balls in a strike now with Emma Eekhoff, a dangerous hitter at the plate, and Husak does not want to challenge. And Pella has a base runner.

With a base on balls. Rest of the Dutch.

I've been a softball player and coach my entire life. A leadoff walk is a dangerous thing.

To.

So, Haylie DeVries the courtesy runner for Pella here in the top of the sixth. So DeVries at first, Avery Parks is the batter. Parks two strikeouts in her first two trips to the plate. Ava Husak has had her number 6 strikeouts in the game for Husak. Parks pops the first pitch up And North Polk knows right away what she's doing.

Before that pitch, they were in a bunt defense Lincoln at third and Dillinger at first are playing pretty far up the line, expecting the sacrifice.

Here's the zero one and Parks swings at it. No balls, two strikes. Now, so Parks will go into a two-strike mentality here at the plate. Husak will try and find a way to sit her down for the third time today. Parks lays off the pitch upstairs.

And that rise ball has been the go-to pitch for Husak against Parks. She's gotten her to chase twice in earlier at bats.

Parks a sophomore twin sister, Riley Parks is at third. Avery, your center fielder looks at another one off the plate. Two and two. Older Parks sister, Madison Parks we mentioned, played at the University of Northern Iowa. She's the one in the Pella stands a nervous wreck. Here's the two. Two. Good eye by little sister Avery runs the count full after falling behind. Zero two.

And a nice job in this at bat. Not chasing the pitches she's seen throughout the game.

Husak sets Parks thought it was inside. It's called strike three. One down Seventh strikeout for Ava Husak.

Coming to the plate, shortstop Katie Scheckel.

Ava Husak knows she needs a strike. Attacks right at the knees inside. Gets the backwards K.

Husak one strikeout in the quarterfinal round against Western Dubuque. Seven in the semis against North Scott and now seven here in the championship game. Katie Scheckel the Dutch batter comes to the plate with DeVries at first running for Eekhoff up and in and Scheckel fouls it back.

Coming into the state tournament, Scheckel had 30 RBIs on the season. So, if there's someone you want at the plate in this situation, it is Katie Scheckel.

One one is off the plate. Two and one. The count. Scheckel 15 doubles. Six home runs, second on the team in bombs. And that foul ball towards her camera crew two and two. Fantastic crew, by the way. Signed with PBS production crew. Does a phenomenal job. From top to bottom. Making us tell this game as best we can Josh Buettner, Andy Coyle leading this team. Here's a stolen base into center field on her way to third is DeVries gets away from Koudelka around third and scoring without a throw. Haylie DeVries.

And Lucy Lucas the catcher for North Polk ready for that steal. Throws it unfortunately into no man's land for the Comets. And heads up, base running. Coming all the way around to score. You see her running into third. She wasn't expecting to be waved home after taking one extra base.

So, time called by Addy Pender a quick visit to the circle, bringing the infield in.

And once again, we have a new ball game here in the sixth.

So, an air charge to Lucy Lucas on the throw. Here's the three two and it is ball four and Scheckel is aboard. So, Lucy Carlson steps up a walk in her first at bat, grounded out in the fourth inning. A comebacker right back to Husak.

Husak right now missing above the zone spot. She really doesn't miss a ton at. And the Pella crowd is loud right now.

There's a high fly ball that goes Koudelka and settles underneath it, maybe ten feet in front of the fence. Carlson gave it a ride and there's two away as Scheckel trots back to first. Koudelka, the junior. Well hit ball.

Yeah, well, well hit ball by Lucy Carlson, you could hear it off the bat. She got all of it.

Hiemstra looks at ball one. Off the outside edge of the plate from Husak. Hiemstra Zero for two. But has made contact in both plate appearances. Looks at that one off the plate two zero. Popped out to Lincoln at third and then had a line drive to Katelyn Klever. The second baseman made a diving catch and now Lucy Lucas calls time To go help Ava Husak reset.

I like this time-out call by Lucas. Go out and talk to your pitcher down in the count. Tell her hey, let's just come back with a strike. Get ourselves back on top. Let's get the bats back in our hands.

They've been together since the fifth grade Lucy, we talked about how she is that vocal leader and just knows Eva so well. Here's a slap. Right side that's through the infield for a base hit on her way to third is Scheckel and safe at third. Lincoln may have lost the ball trying to apply the tag And a nice throw in from right field by Maddie Klever to make that play close. And here's another look. She just beat her to the base.

Yeah.

But hustle and effort from Scheckel to go first to third on that play. And Hiemstra heads up baserunning. She's at second base as well. And now Abby Melvin comes to the plate. After that two out single as Pella have two runners in scoring position.

You just feel the momentum right now is with Pella. Their crowd is loud.

This Pella team has a few players that were in the four A championship game for volleyball this last fall. Katie Scheckel the for a Volleyball player of the year.

We'll have a time-out on the field. I think we got need a band aid.

Right elbow looks bloody. That is your for a volleyball player of the year by the way Katie Scheckel who just had first slid into third base, led the team in kills, digs and aces in the fall. Eekhoff DeJong and Elah Hiemstra a big part of that volleyball team and sometimes being in even a championship environment like state volleyball will help prepare you for state softball. First trip to state for Pella since 2015, so that volleyball experience is huge.

Yeah, there's not a lot of environments like this where you have this many fans watching a game. Student sections on top of the field yelling.

Melvin First pitch to Melvin below the knees.

Head coach Katie Banowetz in year number 2, leading the Pella Dutch. Has seen her team tie it up here in the sixth. Looking for more? Here's a base hit left center field. This will score two. Abby Melvin delivers with a sliding two RBI double and the Pella Dutch are in front.

This place is absolutely rocking. After that double by Melvin a perfect piece of hitting out into left center in all, the momentum has shifted. The Duchess way Koudelka got to it as quick as she could and got it in, but could not keep Melvin from making it an extra base hit as Scheckel scored and Hiemstra scored from second easily, and now Riley Parks is the batter.

Parks, in her last at bat, called out for interference as Dillinger was trying to catch her bunt attempt that popped up in the air.

Husak ahead in the count. North Polk needs so badly to quiet this game down right now.

Starting to see a few shadows trickle over top of the infield dirt. Here's the zero two swung on and missed. So, eight strikeouts Now for Ava Husak, but the Pella Dutch with a three run sixth inning take a 4 to 2 lead Well, rising from the ashes for a second consecutive season. It's college wrestling. The heart of the mat beats in the great state of Iowa. Catch the grit, the glory, and the champions of tomorrow featuring the Hawkeye women Cyclone men, Naia Division two and three. There might be some double headers as well. Join us as college wrestling coverage returns again this December on Iowa PBS. Viking will make a good cameraman. I think. There you see the North Polk crowd in the shade. The Pella crowd in the sun. But they don't mind the heat. They're up 4 to 2.

In this Pella crowd has just added to this game so much. They have been so loud. These players feeding off that energy.

So that three run sixth inning two walks and two hits. Turns into three runs. And one left on base, two RBI double by Abby Melvin.

In North Polk still has six outs to work with. Their bats have really started to come alive over the last couple innings. Now up to seven hits on the game. They need to start off this inning getting some runners on base.

Swing.

Emma Eekhoff pitch off the plate for ball one. To Larissa Koth. Heading into that inning, Allie North Polk had retired 12 straight batters in a row since that Melvin triple Melvin would score the first run In the softball.

Gods would tell you the leadoff walk. It always leads to something.

So Koth with a single, that line drive ripped to the shortstop. Katie Scheckel. Scheckel could not hold on to it. That came in the fourth inning. Koth, the senior. Hits that ultimate utility player. How about this, Allie? You're going to love this. Kid. Played left third catcher and DP. He's the DP here in this championship game. Just has owned her role in whatever night coach has asked her to play. She's up for it.

However, she can help the team. She's up to the challenge.

Koth headed to Kansas State to be a student in the fall Here's the three one and Eekhoff fouled Koth on that one. And you hear Addy Pender win the next pitch. Win the next pitch. Keeping the focus. There's a slap up the middle Scheckel fields the throw to Hiemstra in time for out number 1.

Hiemstra played that really, really well. Gets the ball in her glove, goes to shuffle across, makes the perfect throw across the diamond.

There's another look., making it look easy out there Katie Scheckel solid at shortstop Alex Mulkey now the batter. One for two. Oh, right up the middle. Eekhoff cat like reflexes And all Eekhoff can do there is laugh when the ball comes at you like that.

You're just glad you get your glove up. Coming at you.

Hold on. To secure the out Audrey Lucas. Now the batter here in the nine spot for North trailing by two in the sixth inning. Top of the order in the on deck circle and Maddie Klever. Here's the one zero. Hard into foul territory. First base side.

And Lucas at the bottom of the lineup has gone deep into counts so far in this game. A ton of foul balls off her bat Put the ball in play in both of her at-bats.

Down the middle. But.

Here's the one one. Catches the top of the zone. One ball, two strikes.

There's one ball.

Emma Eekhoff Using her drop ball to work through this North Polk lineup. Trying to get Lucas to chase Just one strikeout in this game There's a hard hit ball into right field. Van Zante giving chase and into foul territory. It falls. Lucas with a big hit, but she will head back to the batter's box as it lands. Foul.

I mentioned it earlier. Lucas has it timed up right? That ball was crushed down the line Coach Pender says Audrey's always singing a song in the dugout during practice.

Those kids are singing during their at bat. Gets her timing in there and the count runs full. Lucas locked in on the zone now. Two outs here in the sixth inning And it's ball four.

A great at bat by Audrey Lucas to turn this lineup over here in the sixth.

North Polk.

So top of the order comes to the plate. Maddie Klever. She's one for three. She's made contact every time. Again. North Polk and Pella, they met back on July 1st. North Polk got the three one win As That came a day after North Polk last loss and Pella trying to avenge their last loss. Nice play by Hiemstra to get the out all on her own, and we are headed to the seventh inning It is A42 game. The eight seed with the lead.

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The live music showcase giving us a jolt of adrenaline here at the Girls State softball tournament and the third season of studio three live premieres in September on Iowa PBS. You can check out song clips from previous seasons on our YouTube channel, and full shows on our website. Iowa PBS.org. Join our mailing list there to get updates about events and find out what you can be part of our studio audience 891 for the Pella Dutch. After putting up three runs. On just two hits, but two walks. In that game or in that inning? No balls, two strikes. Now on Bray-Lynne Van Zante Van Zante zero for two. Swung on and missed. Strike three.

And Husak was straight dealing in that at bat. We could hear the pop of Lucas glove on all three of those pitches.

Strikeout number 9 to see.

That she goes off the plate outside. I love the pitch call there. Get the hitter to chase We're going to have a pinch hitter come in here in the seventh.

As Saige DeJong the senior coming up to hit in the seventh for Elizabeth Thomas. DeJong on the season. I'm showing four at bats. One hit, easy math for a 250 batting average.

No better time than now for the second.

Ava Husak Trying to work through this seventh inning without any damage, the senior headed to Drake next year. Drake with a current or excuse me, Pella with a current Drake player on their staff. Ava Curry an assistant coach In Saige DeJong, while she has had limited at bats, has had quite a few appearances in the circle for the Dutch throughout the season.

Has played a big role defensively for this team with 55 innings pitched.

Six and three record. 28 strikeouts from the circle as well this season. Here's the two two. Off the plate. And she works the count full here in the seventh with one away.

And a good at bat in a pinch-hit situation Three two.

Short pop up into the middle of the infield. What a long run and diving catch made by Mulkey.

Not a great catch in this.

Game, Mulkey here. A defensive gem for North Polk. Able to prevent the infield single.

Emma Eekhoff Good at bat from DeJong.

First pitch to Eekhoff. Missing up Emma Eekhoff a home run in the quarterfinals. A home run in the semifinals. She walked and scored a run in the sixth. Rather DeVries the courtesy runner, scored the run.

I think a home run right here would just be a dagger in this game.

And give herself an insurance run. Two balls, no strikes. If Husak gives her something to hit. That one might have been it right there. There's the two. One. Change of speed for strike one.

Husak in the two zero count. Unafraid to mix up the speeds. Catch the outside corner.

Grounder up the middle. A base hit for Eekhoff here in the title game As she's aboard for the second time in as many innings and Haley DeVries and courtesy run once again. She stole second and then scored as the throw went into center field. And she stands at first, now with two outs and Avery Parks the batter. Shows bunt, pulls it back and Husak misses high.

And Parks just trying to find any way on against Husak. She has struggled today at the plate And kind of a defensive bunt that's going to turn in to an infield single as Avery Parks is aboard for the first time. Not a way. We're used to seeing hitters get on base, but as you mentioned, just defensive, able to get her hands up to it to poke it past the third baseman.

Lincoln and Addy Pender out to home plate umpire Stan Schmitt.

I think she's checking.

To have a discussion. If it maybe hit Parks as it left the box.

Yeah, yeah, and there or if she.

Stepped out of the box.

Yeah. Lucy Lucas pointing it out for us. Stepped in front of the plate on that bunt.

We have some fantastic umpires working at the state tournament. And the three on this crew here today, we'll take another look at it. There's so much to watch. Looked like she stayed in the box to me. I think that's a good call.

I think I mean, a total defensive bunt, as we said, but based on that replay, I think she was okay.

And Lucy Lucas pointed at a divot in the dirt. But I think it's a divot from the ball that went straight down.

And I like the appeal. By North Polk you have to try something in that situation, see if you can get a shift of momentum in your direction.

And in terms of staying in the box in high school ball, if any part of your foot is on the chalk, you're considered in the box. So, half of your foot could be out of the box, half of it could be on the chalk. You'd be considered in the batter's box still, and you have to make contact while in the batter's box. Katie Scheckel is now the batter Scheckel a walk in the sixth, a single back in the first inning. Here's the oh one grounder to Mulkey at short. The throw over to first is in time. So, no insurance runs for Pella, but it is a two-run lead and the Dutch three outs away from a class four. A state championship in softball.

After this.

And so, for North Polk Alli, top of the order comes up in two, three and four. How about this game that we've had two very young coaches, two teams that just seem to be getting better and better each time they go out there and play.

You said it. I mean, both of these teams play with grit. They play with fire. And the crowds are into this game. The players are playing with high energy. It has been a phenomenal state championship softball game North Polk it's been a fun season for them.

This is their first season on their brand new turf complex. Both baseball and softball. Playing on all turf fields. It's right across the parking lot from their dirt field, and at first the kids were like, I like dirt. But now, man, they said they love turf. They can play on it in any weather. And they practice this week on the dirt field to get ready for.

I love that.

State tournament.

Why not? Yeah. Have the option to practice on either one in the dirt up here at Fort Dodge is going to be a little bit different than most playing surfaces. I think any softball player who has played here will tell you that. But you know, both these teams defensively have played very, very well Emma Eekhoff in the Dutch will try and close it out here in the seventh and she starts with a strike on Ava Koudelka. Koudelka how about this two for two with a pair of singles and then a sac bunt in the third.

One ball, one strike. The count.

And we're right in the heart of this lineup. Their fourth time through. They have seen Eekhoff. They know what to expect.

Koudelka center fielder for the comets since she was an eighth grader Looks at strike two. She was on the volleyball team for the state tournament. Honorable mention all-conference went two for four yesterday in the semifinal win for North Polk Here's the one, two and Eekhoff tried to get her to chase. Good hold by Koudelka.

Very good hold by Koudelka and a great offspeed pitch by Eekhoff.

Eekhoff. The senior headed to Indian River State College in Florida, gets the ground ball to Melvin at second and the throw to first for out number 1. Two outs away from a state title and Ava Husak comes to the plate.

In a picture perfect sequence there by the Pella Dutch. Eekhoff gets it right where she wants on the outside of the zone to make it an easy four three play. And most importantly, it keeps a runner off the bases for Husak at bat Husak has that home run power that she has shown at the state tournament.

Hit one in the semifinals just yesterday Looks at strike one, one and one to count Koudelka single fielder's choice and drew a walk She has been on base after every single at bat calls time here and backs out. One ball, one strike. Eekhoff delivers. Swung on, hit left side down for a base. Hit in front of Thomas in left field.

And Husak trying to help her own cause here. Finding a way on for the fourth time in this game.

Gets it started for the comets and Ava Fjelland will come in to courtesy run for the fourth time in this contest. She is at first base with one out and Lucy Lucas comes to the plate. Lucas grounded out to Melvin at second base, her first or her last at bat. Grounder same spot. The flip to second gets one at second and Hiemstra could not hold on. Otherwise that would have been bang bang over at first.

In first place. Umpire Jordan Hill was in spot to make the call. Well turned by Pella. I think she would have been safe. I all I know is I'm happy I wouldn't have been the one making that call.

Melvin the flip to Scheckel the shortstop flings it over to Hiemstra and now a little reminder for everyone on that infield. Two outs up, two. All we need is an out and we're state champs.

A collective deep breath from the Pella infield And Katelyn Klever will be the batter with one on and two out.

The senior second baseman First pitch off the plate for ball one. Caitlin's mom, Tracy, assistant coach at first base. She played. She grew up in Missouri, played high school in Missouri, but played college ball at Graceland University. Grounder up the middle base, hit into center field and two are aboard for North Polk. Katelyn Klever with a big two out single.

In North Polk has life driving that ball right back up the middle. Great hit by Klever.

And now Tessa Dillinger, the batter with two on and two away.

Two outs. Brings up the first baseman.

Tessa Dillinger. Dillinger six doubles on the season. 26 runs driven in swings on the first pitch. Fouled straight back.

Ben Dillinger in this game, back-to-back. Ground outs to the second baseman. She's made contact in all three of her plate appearances. She knows what adjustments she needs to make to help her team out.

Here's the oh one grounder right side that's fielded by Melvin. The throw to first is in time. The Pella Dutch win their first ever softball state championship.

What a game for Emma Eekhoff in the circle. And this Pella Dutch team. Six hits on the game, but just timely. They played collective as a group and they have done it.

The eighth seeded Pella Dutch are a perfect fit for the Cinderella slipper, and head coach Katie Banowetz in year number 2. It started North Polk got on the board a Pella error allowed Fjelland to score. Pella would strike back as Melvin would score on a sac bunt from Van Zante and the number 5. How about North Polk scoring Koudelka on a sac bunt? To the six the stolen base turns into a run for the Dutch.

That's six inning was huge. That's what got it started and they just kept it going with the drive to the fence.

Two RBI double by Abby Melvin. And it's pink T-shirt. Time for the Pella Dutch runners up at the state volleyball championship this past fall. And now state champions in softball. They get their 25th win of the season, 25 and 12. They avenge their last loss of the season, which was to North Polk on July 1st. And they are the last team standing in class four. A.

For the award ceremony, presenting the class for a tournament. Team medals is executive.

Director Aaron Gerlich and softball administrator Jason Esslinger. Here is your class Four-a all-tournament team for 2025. From North Polk Ava Koudelka. From Pella Abigail Melvin. From Admiral Lauren Hagedorn. From Admiral Aubrey Noring.

Ignoring their third baseman From North Scott, Camilla Eller From Cedar Rapids, Xavier Braylen Conlon.

From North Scott Adelyn Johnson.

Eekhoff.

From Pella. Katie Scheckel. From North Polk. Alexandra Mulkey. From North Polk. Ava Husak And your class four, an all-tournament team captain for 2025. From Pella. Emma Eekhoff.

Well, those are certainly tears of joy for Emma Eekhoff and her Pella Dutch a team of destiny eighth seed coming into this four a bracket. There you see the all-tournament competitors. And how about head coach Katie Banowetz wins a state title on a Thursday wedding? Coming up on Saturday.

I don't know if you're going to top that week. State championship and getting married. Congrats to her and this entire Pella Dutch team.

And now the pressure is on her and fiancé, Joshua Mayhew, to try and keep this Dutch squad out of the wedding reception. Maybe a private reception just for the team to celebrate this entire week. Coach Banowetz has said the players parents have just been. So awesome with helping me out. My family and friends have been so great at making sure that I have what I need, she said. We did a lot of planning, made sure everything was done months and months in advance, and she has not received any curveballs yet. So hopefully the rest of this magical week is just as magical for head coach Katie Banowetz.

In addition to receiving medallions every participating player will receive a commemorative softball provided by Iowa Farm Bureau, title sponsor of the girls Athletic Union. Presenting awards are members of the Board of Directors. Congratulations to the runners up in class for a head coach. Eddie Pender and the North Polk Comets on an outstanding 2025 softball season.

Are you guys. Let's go ahead and go on out here.

And presenting your 2025 class four a state softball champions. Head coach Katie Banowetz and the Pella Dutch What a special group of ladies to claim the school's first ever softball title.

And to do it in just their second trip to the state tournament.

Final spot on the bracket And how fitting.

Emma Eekhoff, the captain of the all-tournament team, completes the bracket and the magical season for head coach Katie Banowetz former Calamus-wheatland grad played college ball at Central. And that's your final four two. The Pella Dutch the eight seed over the North Polk Comets in a classic. And for the class five a championship coming up tonight. Stay tuned for that one right here on Iowa PBS.

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