ABERDEEN, S.D. — Claire Horn struck out 11 batters and allowed just three runs on six hits to lead top-seeded Castlewood to a 7-3 victory over Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy in the opening round of the SDHSAA Class B State Tournament on Thursday.
The Warriors backed Horn with a nine-hit offensive performance, highlighted by multi-hit games from three players. Kayla Goens led the charge, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs, while Natalie Akin and Cydni Kudrna each collected two hits. Sophia Kudrna added a hit and drove in two runs, and Lucy Jacobsen and Morgan Wilson each contributed a hit in the win.
Harli Ross took the loss for the Phoenix, allowing six runs on seven hits while striking out seven over five innings. Isabel Waltner pitched one inning in relief.
Claire Loofbourrow paced the FMFA offense, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Aubree Tschetter, Avary Thomas, Sam Fransen, and Ross each added a hit for the Phoenix.
Castlewood advances to the championship semifinals to face Hanson at 2 p.m. Friday. The game will be streamed live on SDPB.org/Softball and the SDPB YouTube channel.
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