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Warriors upset Panthers

—Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Abby kraemer of Alta-Aurelia pitches against Central Springs during a Class 2A quarterfinal on Monday at Rogers Park. For more photos, visit CU at messengernews.net

Abby Kraemer and 13th-ranked Alta-Aurelia picked a perfect time to play a nearly-perfect game.

The Warriors scored their first win at state softball here Monday evening, knocking off No. 8 Central Springs in a Class 2A quarterfinal, 2-0.

Alta-Aurelia (21-9 overall) will face fifth-ranked East Marshall (32-4) in the semifinals Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Kraemer, an all-state pitcher for the Warriors, allowed just one hit and struck out nine to earn her 20th win of the season. The Dordt College recruit has struck out over 312 batters this season.

“With the way I was pitching, I felt absolutely safe with a two-run lead,” Kraemer said. “I had complete control the whole game and the defense was impeccable. I definitely felt comfortable pitching.”

For Alta-Aurelia, who finished third in the Twin Lakes Conference behind fellow state semifinalist (1A) Newell-Fonda, two runs in the second against the Panthers (28-8) were enough.

Mallorie Jacobson drove in Jessica Larson and Sierra Hill plated Shea Peterson.

“I am so proud to say we are one of the Top-4 teams in the state (in 2A),” Kraemer said. “This was one of our goals.”

Jessica Flaherty, Larson and Peterson all had two hits each.

Last year in their debut at state, Alta-Aurelia fell to eventual state runner-up Iowa City Regina in the quarterfinals.

Central Springs’ Hannah Ausenhus had seven strikeouts and Kaylea Fessler had the lone hit off Kraemer.

This is the fifth consecutive season the Panthers have qualified for state, placing fourth last season.

ALTA-AURELIA 2,

CENTRAL SPRINGS 0

Alta-Aurelia 020 000 0 — 2 6 0

Central Springs 000 000 0 — 0 1 2

WP–Abby Kraemer (20-9, 7 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 9 K, 3 BB); LP–Hannah Ausenhus (27-8, 7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 7 K, 1 BB); 2B–CS: Kaylea Fessler. RBI–AA: Mallorie Jacobson, Sierra Hill.

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