The class 2A quarterfinal round continues tonight at the state high school softball tournament in Fort Dodge. Fifth ranked Clear-Creek Amana makes its 24th tournament appearance tonight when the Clippers take on number 15 Eddyville Blakesburg in an openinground game. For the Clippers, it is their fourth straight appearance but itis a much different ball club according to coach Jim White. Gone are thepower hitters that helped lead the clippers to the 1A state crown in 97 and a runner up spot last summer. This years addition has just six homersbut carries a lofty team batting average of three-31. Another tournamentveterans is in action tonight as second ranked Clear Lake battles number-11Sergeant-Bluff Luton. The winners will join Waukee and Perry in the 2Asemifinal round. Top ranked Waukee advanced with a 2-1 win over Marion onMonday night while Perry blanked Osage 7-0.The class 3A quarterfinal round opens tonight. North Scott enters top ranked at 48-4 but coach Dennis Johnson says with four of the top six ranked teams in the field it is anybody’s to win.Veteran Charles City coach Jerry Newton is retiring at the end of the season and Johnson says that emotion plus the fact the 15th ranked Comets are also a regular at the tournament will make them tough to beat.
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