Unranked Mid-Prairie advances to state

by Ranee Fladung
Mid-Prairie Golden Hawks advanced to the Class 2A State Softball tournament in Ft. Dodge following a win over Pekin 4-0 Wednesday, July 14 in Washington.
Olivia Lugar pitched a three hit shutout for the win against the Panthers. “This has been one of our best games of the season and I an so glad we have such a great defense as it takes a lot of pressure off my back,” said Lugar. “We knew we would have to play our best and we were able to get pumped up and focused.”
One Pekin runner made it to second base as Lugar struck out five and walked only one batter. The Mid-Prairie defense handled the other 12 outs.
The Golden Hawks took control in the third inning scoring three runs on two hits and taking advantage of two Pekin errors.
Mid-Prairie coach Justin Lutjen said, “ We have been so tentative that I told them to pretty much let loose.”
Mallory McArtor reached base on a single but was thrown out on a fielder’s choice when Emmie Leinen’s bunt fell and she went back to first. Leinen reached first safely.
Kaitlin Kaalberg sacrificed and the third baseman tossed the ball into right field moving Leinen to third and Kaalberg safely to second. “We we get on base we can do a lot of things,” said coach Lutjen.
Lugar singled to right field driving in Leinen, and Kaalberg scored on a wild throw to the plate. Lugar advanced to third. Kelsi Berg laid down a bunt and courtesy runner Sidney Bowlin scored the third run of the inning.
McArtor scored the final run in the fifth inning after stealing both second and third to get into position to score following a sacrifice fly by Kaalberg to center.
Mid-Prairie earned its fourth trip to the state tournament since 2005. When asked about this unranked teams advancement to state he said, “From the beginning I never had a doubt we could do this. The ability has been there since they have been little kids.” Lutjen makes his first appearance at state as the head coach, having taken over following the resignation of Amy Rath.
Olivia Lugar moves to 14-9 on the season. McArtor was 2 for 3, Kelsi Berg was 1-2 with an RBI, Lugar was 1-3 with an RBI and Kaalberg had an RBI.