Haley Evans capped a five-run bottom of the sixth with a three run double to right center as Westwood stunned top ranked Des Moines Christian 5-3 in the class 1A opener. Westwood came into the game with an 18-21 record. The Rebels were trailing 3-0 heading into the sixth inning and had yet to record a hit off Lions pitcher Amanda Nikkel.
Des Moines Christian scored two runs in the top of the first but the Lions managed only one more the remainder of the game. The Lions had a chance to tie the game in the top of the seventh but left runners on second and third. Des Moines Christian finishes the season at 36-3.
Fourth ranked Highland’s first appearance at the state tournament ended with a victory. The Huskies took advantage of eight walks and five wild pitches to beat Don Bosco 6-2. Highland shortstop Amanda Hanson was one-for-two, scored twice and also had a pair of stolen bases. Hanson admitted the Huskies had some tournament jitters at the start and says they are thrilled to have a chance to play in the semifinals.
Pitcher Jennifer Jorgenson was three-for-three and scored three times as Southeast Webster blanked Stanton 4-0. It was a big win for the Eagles who lost in the opening round of the 2005 tournament. Southeast Webster coach Mike Jorgensen who says his team came into this tournament with a different attitude this time around.
