The state high school softball tournament begins a week-long run in Fort Dodge tonight. Action begins with the opening round in class 1A,. At five a pair of rated teams collide as second rated Charter Oak-Ute goes up against 8th ranked New London, which enters the tournament with a mark of 32-8.
The other game finds 33-13 Earlham against 27-11 Newell-Fonda. Also in 1A, sixth ranked Don Bosco makes a second straight appearance at state against Madrid and after winning the 2A title in 2005 Alron-Westfield bids for the 1A crown this week. The top ranked team plays north Mahaska.
Half of the 2A field is in action tonight. 4th ranked Carroll Kuemper is 47-4 and opens against Sgt. Bluff Luton while second rated North Polk at 47-4 matches up with fort dodge St. Edmond. The rest of the 2A opening round and the first round in class 3A is Tueasday night. Action begins in 4A on Wednesday night. This will be the third straight year the tournament has had four classes. One change for this year. All the championship games will be held on the same diamond on Friday beginning with the 1A title contest at one o’clock.