News Summary

The 2025 Iowa High School State Softball Tournament has kicked off in Fort Dodge as 40 teams compete for the state championship title. With thrilling quarterfinal matches already showcasing amazing talent and unexpected victories, excitement builds as teams like Pella, ADM, North Polk, and North Scott make their way through the competition. The tournament runs until July 25, culminating in an intense showdown for the championship in each class. Fans are eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in this fantastic showcase of youth talent.

Fort Dodge Buzzing with Energy as Iowa High School State Softball Tournament Kicks Off!

Excitement is in the air in Fort Dodge as the 2025 Iowa High School State Softball Tournament officially got underway on July 21. With 40 teams from across the state competing for the coveted title of state champion, there’s no shortage of thrilling action to keep fans on the edge of their seats!

Game Days and Schedule

This year’s tournament is jam-packed with games that showcase the best young talent Iowa has to offer. The schedule is as follows:

  • July 21: State quarterfinals
  • July 23: State semifinals
  • July 24: State championship for Class 4A

Following the quarterfinals, teams will battle it out for a shot at the semifinals before the championship games take place on July 24. With multiple games each day, there’s lots to keep track of, and each matchup is sure to be filled with suspense and unforgettable moments!

Quarterfinals: A Day of Upsets and Thrills!

The first game served up a big surprise as No. 1 Cedar Rapids Xavier, boasting a record of 37-5, faced off against Pella, which came in at a respectable 22-12. Fans were on the edge of their seats as Pella pulled off an incredible victory, winning 5-1. The star of the game was clearly Emma Eekhoff, who not only hit a home run but also struck out eight batters, leading her team triumphantly into the semifinals.

Who’s Moving On?

Pella is set to take on No. 5 Adel-De Soto-Minburn (ADM), who also made a name for themselves by defeating No. 4 Dallas Center-Grimes (DCG) in a gripping nine-inning thriller that ended in a 4-1 score. In an electrifying turn of events, ADM’s Lauren Hagedorn came through in the clutch, tying the game with a dramatic home run in the sixth inning, allowing the Tigers to rally for three runs in the ninth and secure their spot in the semifinals.

Close Calls and Last-Minute Wins

It was a day filled with nail-biting finishes, and the excitement didn’t stop there. North Polk, the No. 3 seed with a record of 34-5, faced No. 6 Western Dubuque (31-11) in another electrifying match that went into extra innings. North Polk managed to edge out a win 8-7, with Tessa Dillinger making waves by scoring the game-winning run, proving once again that every second counts in high-stakes games!

Even more surprising was the performance from No. 7 seed North Scott (29-11), who pulled off a decisive victory over No. 2 Norwalk (33-7) with a score of 7-1. They stormed out of the gate, scoring three runs in the first inning and setting the tone for what would become a rather impressive game!

The Road Ahead

The tournament isn’t over yet, and the excitement is just beginning! As teams prepare for the upcoming semifinals, the competition is heating up. Teams such as Pella, ADM, North Polk, and North Scott have shown outstanding performance and are now established forces to be reckoned with.

Fans can look forward to more intense matchups and the chance to see what these talented players can bring to the field. The tournament will run until July 25, with champions crowned for all five classes, leaving everyone eager to see who will ultimately hoist the trophy!

Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament unfolds, and may the best teams come out on top in what is indeed a fantastic showcase of youth talent!

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