Top ranked Woodward-Granger will bid for a second consecutive title Class 1-A softball title. Lindsay Bice opened the scoring with an rbi single in the third and that wasenough for all-state pitcher Jen Bice, who tossed a two hitter and struckout 11 as the Hawks blanked North Polk 1-0. North Polk threatened to tie itin the sixth when Jodie Christensen singled with one out and took second onan error. But Renee Anderson grounded to short to end the inning withchristensen on third and bice struck out the side in the seventh to closeit out. With the victory the Hawks advance to the title game for the fifthconsecutive year. Woodward-Granger pitcher Jen Bice says they knew NorthPolk would be tough to beat.North Polk coach Rick Dillinger says his players gave a great effort.Also in the class 1-A semifinal round, second-ranked Alburnett tookadvantage of a throwing error and a wild pitch in the third inning to takea 2-0 lead in a 3-0 victory over eighth-ranked Earlham. Sophmore pitcherAmy Rowe was dominate for Alburnett, tossing a two hitter and at one pointretired 14-straight batters.Rowe says she gained momentum as the game progressedEarlham coach Bob Best says the two run third for Alburnett was the difference.In class 1-A consolation action, South Winneshiek jumped out to an earlylead in a 5-2 victory over Wapello.Also in 1-A consolation play Armstrong-Ringsted took advantage of six errorsby Remsen St. Mary’s to post a 7-3 victory. Armstrong-Ringsted coach Larry Hunecke (hun-uh-key) says his team was a little flat after a near upset of top ranked Woodward-Granger in the opening round.In class 2-A consolation action, Greta Nelson tossed a one hitter as Marion blanked Osage 4-0. Marion coach Derek Leary.Sergeant Bluff-Luton defeated Clear Creek-Amana 5-2.
