Sheldon, Iowa — Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley advances to the state tournament after a 2-0 win over Spirit Lake in the Class 3A Region 1 Softball Championship.
It was all about the defense and the pitching until the bottom of the 6th inning. Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley’s CJ Van Der Zwaag reached on an error after a hit to right field. Kaitlyn Van Der Zwaag would get on base with a hit to left. Sam Greene would load the bases with another hit to left field. Two batters later, Sam Blum would hit one off the shin of Spirit Lake pitcher Bailee Newman, and CJ Van Der Zwaag would come into score to break the stalemate 1-0. Cassie Van Beek would rip one up the middle and Kaitlyn Van Der Zwaag would get home for the 2-0 lead, and the Nighthawks would go on to the win.
Bailee Newman would take the loss. She went 6 innings, allowing 8 hits, walking 2, striking out 3, and had 1 earned run.
CJ Van Der Zwaag got the win with the complete game shutout. She let up 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 7.
Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley improves to 31-3 on the season and advances to Class 3A State Softball in Fort Dodge. The Nighthawks will open State Tournament play on Tuesday July 21st at Mittera Field in Fort Dodge. First up for the Nighthawks will be a 3:30 quarterfinal game against Center Point Urbana who comes in with a record of 29-13.
Spirit Lake finishes their season at 31-7.
