The Lady Cubs?Äô Class A State softball tournament experience in North Mankato?Äôs Caswell Park last weekend can be summed up as bittersweet. It was bitter because they dropped the heart-breaking opener vs. Hayfield, 13-12. But it was sweet because they picked up their first victory in state tournament history, defeating Red Lake Falls, 13-2.
The frosting on the cake arrived when Kimball outlasted a good Pillager team, 9-3, to capture the state consolation championship.
(Hayfield Game) The Cubs built an 11-5 lead, only to see it disappear. Despite 15 big hits by Kimball, they were unable to keep the defense together and ultimately lost the contest.
Katherine Spaulding went 4 for 4 to lead Kimball. Rachel Utecht, Mackenzie Leither, Tori Harren and Alex Ruehle all had two hits. One of Leither?Äôs hits was a home run. (Red Lake Falls Game) The Kimball girls scattered a dozen hits around the yard and Katie Spaulding bagged a three-run homer. Rachel Utecht was 3 for 4 and Emily Utecht was 2 for 4 with four RBI. Leither had two hits and scored three runs. Katie Merchant struck out 11 and walked three, allowing three hits.
Kimball beat Pillager (18-8), by a 9-3 final tally, to claim the consolation championship.
Kenzie Leither was one of several outstanding players on the 2017 KAHS softball team. Team photo on page 10. Staff photo by Marguerite Laabs.