Wabasso Softball Team Ends Reign of 10-Time Section Champions
In a stunning upset, the Wabasso softball team defeated the top-seeded Edgerton/Southwest Minnesota Christian team, ending their 10-season reign as Section 3A champions. The Rabbits secured a 10-4 victory in the elimination bracket final, earning a spot in the Section championship game for the second consecutive year.
Wabasso head coach Tiffany Eichten expressed the team’s hunger for victory, stating, “We were really hungry. We’ve had them a couple of times in sections and they always knocked us out of the playoffs, so we were hungry for it.”
The game was a back-and-forth battle until Wabasso pulled away with a six-run sixth inning. Right fielder Annabelle Struntz and left fielder Audrey Johnson led the offensive charge, with Johnson delivering a clutch two-run single to secure the lead.
Pitcher Avery Carlson delivered a stellar performance, allowing only one earned run and three unearned runs while striking out two batters. The team capitalized on the Dutchmen’s errors, scoring crucial runs to secure the victory.
Reflecting on the win, Johnson emphasized the team’s execution of their practice strategies, stating, “When we’re able to execute things that we’re working on in practice, it just really makes me happy to see everyone do well and get excited for each other.”
With this historic win, Wabasso now sets its sights on the Section championship game and a chance to advance to the state tournament. The team’s determination and resilience have propelled them to the brink of a monumental achievement, setting the stage for an exciting showdown in the final.