The No. 3 Remsen St. Mary’s softball team added to their state tournament banner collection with a 2-0 win over No. 8 Newell-Fonda on Monday night in Remsen. It is the fourth year in a row the Hawks have qualified for state and seventh time in program history.
The Hawks had a tough battle with a top-eight team in the final Class 1A rankings, but they did not back down. Head coach Monte Harpenau says that speaks to their work-ethic to want something and go get it.
Remsen St. Mary’s was facing a pitcher in Kierra Jungers who had thrown a perfect game with 18 strikeouts in the previous round, so they knew they would be in for a battle. The first time through the order was tough for the Hawks who were trying to get a feel for her pace. Coach Harpenau says a couple adjustments turned things around for his team.
The Hawks got two runners on right away to start the fourth inning with both Mya Bunkers and Halle Galles recording hits. Marina Cronin followed that up with a double pulled down the line that scored both runners. Coach Harpenau says timing has been a big key for Cronin, and it showed against a tough pitcher.
Cronin also pitched striking out 11 in her shutout. She was far from perfect though allowing six hits throughout the night. That meant her defense was going to have to step up, and they did just that in the third inning with the Mustangs loading the bases with one out.
The win solidified a 23-0 record and the fourth consecutive trip to state. Now, the Hawks will turn their attention to the state tournament, a place they are 1-5 at over the last three seasons. Coach Harpenau says this year could be different having been tested much more throughout the regional tournament.
The Hawks will play on Tuesday, July 23 at the state tournament in Fort Dodge. Opponent and time will await the other regional finals to complete.
