New Life Academy Wins Fourth Straight Title

The New Life Academy softball team won its fourth consecutive Class A state championship on Friday, defeating Cherry-Cotton 8-2 at Caswell Park in Mankato.

The Eagles (24-4) took control early with a three-run first inning and never looked back. Despite giving up two runs in the top of the second, NLA rebounded with a three-run fourth and a two-run fifth to create separation on the scoreboard.

Katie Stodolka led the way. The senior second baseman, playing in her sixth consecutive state tournament, finished off her Eagles career with a 3-for-3 day at the plate with one run and three RBIs.

Amanda Heidmann went 1-for-3 with a run and an RBI, Rebekah Schmidt went 1-for-1 with a run and an RBI and Valerie Hohol finsihed 0-for-2 with two RBIs.

On the mound, Schmidt finished her senior year 23-3 overall by picking up the win. She pitched seven innings, allowed four hits and two runs—both unearned—while striking out 10. She struck out 34 batters in the three-day tournament. Schmidt went 3-0 at state, beating Osakis 13-0, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunberg 3-2 and Cherry/Cotton on Friday.

Cherry/Cotton finished the season 26-2.