No torrid comeback was needed for Central Cass this time around to secure its Class B record eighth state championship, successfully defending last year’s crown with a 10-2 victory over Kindred-Richland on Saturday, May 30, at Lyle “Trapper” Lawrence Field in Jamestown.

The Squirrels (22-6) nearly missed out on competing in the title match altogether after finding themselves trailing by seven runs after three innings against Beulah in the semifinals. But Central Cass scored eight unanswered runs over the final four innings, walking off in the seventh on a bases-loaded single from McKenna Holen.

It was nowhere near the comeback required the day earlier, but Central Cass trailed 1-0 entering the bottom of the fourth before a nine-run inning gave the Squirrels a comfortable lead. The Squirrels brought 13 batters to the plate and recorded five hits. Rya Zimmerman, Maddie Steig and Bradey Bosse doubled and Aspyn Prien delivered a three-run home run in the inning.

The Squirrels finished with 10 hits. Keelyn Flanagan went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Prien and Steig each recorded three RBIs. All nine batters scored a run.

Whitney Mitchell got the win in the circle for Central Cass. She pitched all seven innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, striking out six and walking two.

Janna Taszarek finished 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Lauren Schlieman also doubled and drove in a run.

Kindred-Richland (17-6) was seeking its fifth state title, second behind only Central Cass.

Central Cass’ Scott Kost was named Coach of the Year.

Glenburn picked up its first state tournament victory in program history with a 13-11 win against Pembina County North in the seventh place game. Thompson defeated Des Lacs-Burlington, 8-3, in the fifth place game and Beulah shut out Velva-Drake/Anamoose, 6-0, to capture third place.

The Panthers scored seven runs over the final two innings to complete the comeback against the Grizzlies. Mila Jones went 4-for-5 with a triple, double, five RBIs and two runs scored. Aubrie Quick also collected four hits, doubling twice, driving in four and scoring three times. Six Panthers recorded at least two hits. Glenburn had 19 total hits – seven for extra bases.

Piper Harris doubled and drove in a run for the Lakers. Aleia Fluhrer went 2-for-4 with two runs scored.

Addie Dale-Geiger struck out 11 over seven innings for the Miners, allowing just two hits. She also went 3-for-4 at the plate, recording an RBI and a run scored. Peyten Horning also picked up three hits.

Dale-Geiger was named Class B Senior Athlete of the Year.