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State Softball

Van Meter impressive in opener

Even a step up in class doesn't seem to faze Van Meter at the state softball tournament. Mady Schnell was a double shy of the cycle as the sixth-seeded Bulldogs - champions in both 2024 and '25 for Class 2A - overwhelmed No. 3 seed Albia in a Class 3A opener at Rogers Park on Monday, 10-2. Schnell drove in four runs and scored twice. The sophomore is now hitting a team-best .544 on the season. Ashlan Small went 3-for-3 and Aniston Netten drilled a two-run homer for Van Meter, who improved to 33-6 with the win. The Bulldogs advance on the winner's side and will now square off with ...

DODGERS ARE BACK, HUNGRY FOR MORE

The third-ranked Fort Dodge softball team caught the state by surprise. The Dodgers carry a strong tradition on the diamond, and a solid product is always expected. But this year — with only two seniors on the roster and coming off a rare state miss in 2025 — they seemed to be a work ...

STATE SOFTBALL: Welcome back to Fort Dodge!

A new era for the Iowa Girl begins in very familiar territory with the first pitch of the 2026 state softball tournament on Monday morning at Rogers Sports Complex. This season’s competition in Fort Dodge — the 57th in a row here dating back to 1970 — will be both special and unique for ...

Class 4A field loaded with talent, tradition

It didn’t take the Fort Dodge softball team long to get back to the state tournament after a one-year hiatus. The third-rated and third-seeded Dodgers (38-4 overall) are back after missing 2025 and seeing a streak of seven straight trips come to an end. The Dodgers meet Clear Creek-Amana ...

Gaels anxious to take the next step

Back in May, St. Edmond head softball coach Bill Shirbroun called this current season the start of a “new beginning.” Coming off back-to-back appearances in the Class 1A state semifinals, the Gaels had to replace four key starters — including two who went on to play college ...

1A field a true test — again

The Class 1A state softball field is as loaded as ever this summer, with defending state champion Clarksville and No. 1 Exira-EHK/Audubon leading the way. Four-time qualifier St. Edmond earned the No. 3 seed and will serve as a “co-host” school alongside 4A qualifier Fort Dodge again ...