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Carlisle 3,

Dubuque Wahlert 0

Carlisle010 020 0-3 7 0

Du. Wahlert 000 000 0-0 5 2

Jordan Gronewold and Amber Brown. Brianna Bannon and Samantha Reimer. 2B-DW: Reimer.

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A disappointing 7-0 first-round setback in last year's state tournament has been in the back of the Carlisle softball team's mind since it happened.

Tuesday night, the tested Wildcats (37-1 overall) came out with a vengeance and made amends for that loss with a 3-0 triumph over Dubuque Wahlert in a first-round 3A state tournament matchup that included a 55-minute rain delay.

"We definitely remember last year and we have never been so anxious to play," said Carlisle head coach Jim Flaws. "Being here last year helped drive us to this point and I thought we played well in all areas of the game."

The third-rated Wildcats cracked the scoreboard first in the second off of a Hilliary Pennington single which scored Amber Brown before the rain delay came into effect.

When play resumed, neither squad seemed to miss a beat.

The Goldean Eagles (33-9 overall) - who were making their first state tournament appearance ever - shut down the Wildcats in their half of the third frame before making their only legitimate case to reach the scoreboard.

Back-to-back two out singles from Beth Miller and Audrey Kass followed by an intentional walk to UNI recruit Samanth Reimer set the table for Kellie Klien, who lined out to the pitcher to end the inning.

"We knew we couldn't pitch to Reimer, but Klien was a scary person to have up at the plate too," said Flaws. "Jordan (Gronewold) made a nice play, and from there, we took over."

The Wildcats tacked on two more runs in the fifth which was enough for Gronewold (33-1) and the Carlisle defense.

Gronewold, who sports a .518 batting average and a 0.33 ERA, was the catalyst both offensively and defensively. The junior struck out seven batters and surrendered just five hits, while collecting a pair of singles at the plate.

"Jordan kept the ball down and to put the goose egg on them was very impressive," said Flaws. "She trusts her defense more and doesn't look to strike everyone out. She's turned into a pitcher instead of just a thrower."

Gronewold was pleased with her team's performance, and is looking forward to what lies ahead.

"We came back down here with a different purpose this year. Last year we were happy to just make it, but this time we are in it to win it," said Gronewold. "We kept it light during the rain delay, stayed relaxed, got the win, and now we are just taking it one game at a time."

Carlisle now faces Keokuk - an upset winner over previously-unbeaten Sioux City Heelan - on Diamond 1 at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Wahlert squares off with Heelan today at noon on Diamond 1 in a consolation semifinal.