-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Karsyn Michael of Linn Mar makes a diving catch against Cedar Falls during 5A semi-final on Wednesday at Rogers Park

Emily Koranda wasn’t ever sure she would make it back to the softball diamond.

Now, she is one more win away from calling herself a state champion.

Koranda pitched a one-hitter to lead Linn-Mar to the Class 5A finals with a convincing 8-0 win in six over Cedar Falls here Wednesday afternoon at Rogers Park. The Lions (35-6 overall) will play top-seed Waukee Northwest Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on Channel Seeds Field.

A senior headed to Missouri State University, Koranda underwent surgery for an ACL injury. She has returned in dominating fashion, going 18-3 on the year with an earned run average under one. She struck out five and walked a pair.

“I honestly didn’t think I would be (back in this position),” Koranda said. “I get goosebumps just thinking about it. It’s an awesome feeling.”

Linn-Mar plated two runs in the second, three in the third, two more in the fifth and a single run in the sixth to end the contest early. Annie Cassidy was 3-for-3 with two runs scored while Lexus Krug and Koranda each had two RBI.

“We were confident coming in,” Koranda said. “We wanted to get on top of them early and take advantage. We never doubted ourselves.”

For Cedar Falls, Gabie Hanks was credited with the lone hit off Koranda.

The Tigers (31-10) will play Ankeny Centennial for third place on Thursday at 6 p.m. on Iowa Central Field.

LINN-MAR 8, CEDAR FALLS 0 (6 inn.)

Cedar Falls 000 000 — 0 1 3

Linn-Mar 023 021 — 8 11 3

WP–Emily Koranda (6 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 5 K, 2 BB). LP–Sydney Runyan (2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 K, 0 BB).

2B–LM: Brynna Gander, Hayden Koutny, Emily Koranda. RBI–LM: Emily Koranda (2), Annie Cassidy, Emma Barnes, Mallory Palmer, Lexus Krug (2), Kaylie Alvey. SB–LM: Mallory Palmer, Hayden Koutny, Karsyn Michel.