Some highly rated teams lose at softball tourney

Junior catcher April Houston cleared the bases with a double to centerfield in the top of the fifth and top-ranked Charter Oak-Ute went on to defeat Don Bosco 5-1 in a class 1A quarterfinal at the state softball tournament. Houston’s double came two pitches after her foul pop-up down the first base line was dropped. That was one of what would be several costly errors for Don Bosco. Dons’ coach Jane Becker say her team gave Charter Oak-Ute too many chances and they took advantage of them. Alburnett is playing its best at the right time. Despite a 33-17 record entering the tournament the Pirates beat third-rated North Mahaska 4-1 to advance to the 1A semifinals.Alburnett coach Kevin Johnson says the team has really grown up and gotten better every day.Ninth rated Newell-Fonda overcame eight errors by scoring five runs in the fifth inning in a 5-3 victory over number-two Southeast Webster. The Mustangs fell behind 3-0 early in the game, but Newell-Fonda coach Dick Jungers says he has the experienced players who knew they could overcome three runs. Laurens-Marathon sophomore pitcher Bryn Johnson tossed a three hitter and helped her own cause with a two-run double in the bottom of the first as the fifth-rated Chargers beat number-four Murray 3-0.Johnson says getting an early lead helped boost their confidence.Murray had runners on first and second with nobody out in the final inning but a fly to left and a double play ended the game. Mustang’s coach Danny Jensen says Johnson dominated the game. This is Murray’s first ever trip to state and Jensen says while disappointed with the loss the players look forward to the consolation bracket.