File photo. Des-Lacs Burlington/Lewis & Clark sophomore pitcher Piper Feller (center) earned her team 11 strike outs while in the pitcher's circle during their quarterfinals match against the Kindred Vikings in the 2026 NDHSAA Class B Softball State Tournament. Nathan Beitler/MDN

The Velva-Drake/Anamoose Aggies softball team got off to a strong start in their quarterfinal game against the Glenburn Panthers in the 2026 NDHSAA Class B Softball State Tournament.

The Aggies earned 15 runs in just four at bats, including a nine run inning in the bottom of the fourth.

Junior Grace Balas ran the Aggies’ defense from the pitching circle, recording 11 strike outs during her five innings pitching while allowing just two hits and one walk.

The Aggies collected 16 hits and 13 RBIs during their time at the plate while giving up just four strike outs.

The Aggies shut out the Panthers with their 15-0 victory to advance to the state semifinals. They will face off against Kindred High School beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 29.

The Des-Lacs Burlington/Lewis & Clark Lakers fell to the Kindred Vikings 3-1 in their quarterfinals game.

The Lakers’ sophomore pitcher Piper Feller and the Vikings’ senior pitcher Charlie Odegaard both led their teams from the circle on Thursday.

Feller earned 11 strike outs for the Lakers while Odegaard drew 10. Both teams were scoreless through the first five and a half innings before the Lakers put the first run on the board in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Senior shortstop Logen Ystaas singled on a ground ball to right field that allowed eighth grade Brooklyn Dobson to cross home plate, giving the Lakers their first lead of the game.

The Vikings were quick to respond in the top of the seventh inning, scoring three runs in two back to back at bats, giving them a 3-1 lead. The Lakers were unable to score in the bottom of the seventh, earning them the loss in their quarterfinals game.

The Lakers will play in the Loser-Out round of the State Tournament against the Glenburn Panthers beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 28.