Iola-Scandinavia qualified for state for the first time in the softball program's history with a 6-5 win over Random Lake in a D-4 sectional championship game at Appleton East High School on Thursday afternoon. The Thunderbirds improved their record to 19-6 while Random Lake finished their season with a 16-5 record.
The T-Birds scored two runs each in the first and fourth innings to take a 4-0 before Random Lake responded with three runs in the bottom of the third inning to cut the Iola-Scandinavia lead to 4-3. The Thunderbirds added a run in the fourth and fifth innings to build a 6-3. The Rams scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to return it to a one-run ballgame. Random Lake threatened in the bottom of the seventh inning when Madelyn Abler reached on an error and Jayla Harter was hit-by-pitch with only one out. The T-Birds ended the threat and the game when the Rams hit two infield pop-ups.
Both teams had eight hits for the game. Marin Hoyord and Maddie Much each had two hits for Iola-Scandinavia including a double for each of them. Maddie Much and Myah Heschke each had two RBI's. Makayla Much and Jaelyn Sivertson each had a double. For the Rams, Madelyn Abler and Rebecca Arendt each had two hits including a two-run double by Abler. Calah Harter and Hannah LaFever each had a double.
Pitcher Maddie Much went the distance to earn the win. Much allowed eight hits, one walk while striking out two batters. Calah Harter started the game and worked the first two innings before Jayla Harter pitched the remaining five innings. Calah Harter took the loss and allowed two hits, one walk and had two strikeouts. Jayla Harter allowed six hits, no walks and had two strikeouts.
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