Maggie Elsbecker admits expectations haven’t changed much in the Fort Dodge dugout. Not because these Dodgers are necessarily trying to match what they’ve done in recent years, or what the rankings say. This is all about the inner motivation to maximize their own potential and hold each ...

The St. Edmond softball team knows they are the underdogs on paper as they prepare to face Martensdale-St. Marys here Tuesday evening in the Class 1A state tournament. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. on Diamond 1 at Rogers Park. The ninth-ranked Gaels (23-11 overall) punched their ticket to ...

The foundation for the St. Edmond softball program to return to state was laid down the moment Bill Shirbroun took over as head coach. Starting four years ago with a desire to create structure and accountability, Shirbroun has helped elevate the Gaels to the promised land. St. Edmond ...

Loaded with experience and a mix of memories from Rogers Park, the Muscatine softball team knocked off Ankeny in a Class 5A quarterfinal here Monday afternoon, 3-0. The Muskies (33-6 overall) plated all three runs in the seventh, as Maura Chalupa pitched a two-hitter with eight strikeouts. ...

Southeast Polk has something to prove. The Rams (31-9 overall) didn’t need to show they belonged, though. This was for purely selfish reasons. The fourth-seeded Rams have made three straight state tournament appearances, but in the previous two seasons, they’ve come up short. Last ...

Jose Lara knew in his gut who he needed in a clutch situation. Lara’s sixth-seeded Pleasant Valley (31-9) softball squad was tied with defending Class 5A champion Waukee Northwest (31-12) in the sixth inning here on Monday. Lara called on sophomore Sarah Rigdon in a pinch-hit situation, ...