—Messenger photo by Britt Kudla North Linn players celebrate after winning the Class 2A state championship on Wednesday at Rogers Park. For more photos, visit CU at messengernews.net

For the second time in three years, North Linn claimed the Class 2A title, besting Earlham here Thursday night, 1-0.

Following four scoreless innings, freshman Skylar Benesh launched a ball to deep center that was just out of the reach of the outfielder, allowing senior Olivia Rauch to score.

That would be the only run of the game, as Ellie Flanagan allowed just four hits with three strikeouts and a pair of walks. Benesh had two hits with the RBI, earning captain of the all-tournament team.

The Lynx hoisted the state trophy in 2019 and were runners-up a year ago.

“I just didn’t want to screw anything up,” North Linn head coach Chad Spore said. “We knew we had a talented team, even if some didn’t know about our players because they were buried on the depth chart. But they did a great job and I’m just really proud of them.”

Spore, in his first year as head coach after replacing Marv Porter, led the team to a 42-6 record and the Tri-Rivers Conference title.

Jill Smith, Kenzie Bridgewater, Sydney Smock and Rauch each had a hit for North Linn.

“We tested them with a tough schedule and that helped get us ready for state,” Spore said. “We wanted to be ready once we got here and we were.”

Earlham, making its fourth appearance in the title game, were seeking a third state crown. The Cardinals had a chance in the fifth, but were denied with runners in scoring position. Cora Boyle, Alli Boyle, Katie Janssen and Alexis Voss each had a hit.

Madeline Janssen allowed six hits with seven strikeouts and three walks inside the circle.

NORTH LINN 1, EARLHAM 0

Earlham 000 000 0 — 0 4 1

North Linn 000 010 x — 1 6 2

Madeline Janssen (L, 6 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 7 K, 3 BB) and Alli Boyle; Ellie Flanagan (W, 7 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 3 K, 2 BB) and Jenna Lemley. 2B-E: Alli Boyle; NL: Skylar Benesh. RBI-NL: Skylar Benesh. SB-NL: Kenzie Bridgewater.