The top-ranked Mason City Newman baseball team took the first step toward returning to the state tournament with a 10-4 win over Nora Springs-Rock Falls last night. The Knights made the semifinals last year and returned eight seniors this year for coach Tony Adams.Adams wasn’t quite sure how his club would react coming back from last season’s heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Lansing Kee High in the state semifinals. He says they had to get some young players ready and thus far they’ve responded to the challenge.The Knights continue their quest for a return trip to Carroll, and the state tournament, when they host Northwood-Kensett in a district semifinal game on Friday.