It didn't take North Scott long to get back into a state tournament comfort zone.

In Fort Dodge for the first time since 2003, the perennial Class 4A softball power advanced to the semifinal round with a 3-2 victory over West Des Moines Dowling on Diamond 2 here Tuesday afternoon.

In a battle of unranked qualifiers and former state champions, the Lancers (26-13 overall) snapped a 1-1 tie with two runs in the top of the sixth inning and hung on from there. An unearned run put North Scott ahead, and freshman clean-up hitter Anna Boffeli then delivered an RBI-single for what proved to be a critical insurance score.

That was just enough for Brie Haycraft (16-8), who stranded the tying run at third base to end the contest. North Scott - a two-time state title-holder which also placed second in 2001 and '03 before missing out on the last six state tourneys - played error-free defense behind its senior hurler, who did not walk a batter.

Senior right-fielder Dana Drummond also drove in a run for the Lancers, who won state in 1993 and 2001. Designated hitter Paige Lewis - also a senior - chipped in two hits.

Senior Annie Sarcone and sophomore Emily Aller both drove in runs for Dowling. Junior Mickie Ryan finished with two hits. Demi Plathe (12-8) - a sophomore - allowed three runs, but only one was earned.

North Scott now faces West Des Moines Valley (29-10) - another elite 4A program and multi-time state champion - on Thursday at 2 p.m. on Diamond 2.

The Maroons meet Muscatine (35-5) at noon today on the Dodger Diamond.

Contact Eric Pratt at (515) 573-2141, or by e-mail at sports@messengernews.net