(KNFL/KFGO) – The Hawley Nuggets found themselves in the Class AA Minnesota High School Softball Championship this afternoon against the St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders. St. Cloud Cathedral would be the biggest test this season for Hawley. The Nuggets were the #6 seed in the AA State Tournament, while the St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders were the #4 seed. Hawley made their way to the Section 8AA Championship, by going through the losers bracket, and eventually winning the Section title against Roseau. In the State Tournament, Hawley would take down, Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial, and Jackson County Central. Today, they were looking to end their incredible season on a high note.
St. Cloud Cathedral would strike first in the bottom of the 3rd, as Keira Alexander singled on a bunt, off of Hawley pitcher Eagan Hastings, and then a throwing error at first base scored Finley Polipnick. That made it 1-0 St. Cloud Cathederal, but they were not done. Sadie Meyer would reach on a fielder’s choice and Keria Alexander would score, making it 2-0. The Crusaders were looking to blow the doors off Hawley in the 3rd, and they would succeed in that, as Kyah Koenig, with 2 runners on, crushed a 3 run shot to right center field. That was all part of a 5 run 3rd inning for the Crusaders.
No one would score in the 4th. But in the bottom of the 5th, St. Cloud was looking for some extra insurance. With Sadie Meyer on base, Tayla Vought smashed a 2 run home run to make it 7-0 St. Cloud Cathedral. Hawley was able to get a 2 run home run in the 7th from Hannah Stotts, but it wouldn’t be enough. St. Cloud Cathedral would win the Minnesota Class AA Softball State title.
Keria Alexander was the winning pitcher for St. Cloud Cathedral, throwing a complete game, giving up 2 runs, 1 unearned, 3 walks, while striking out 5. The losing pitcher was Eagan Hastings for Hawley, throwing 6 innings, up 6 hits, 7 runs, 6 earned, 1 walk, while striking out 5.
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