>>> Funded provided by -- ♪ >> A week in Ft.

Dodge, Iowa.

The Iowa girl's high school softball tournament.

Begins its final chapter of 2024.

We start with the bang.

The 5-A championship game, number one versus number two.

The pleasant valley Spartans, the two seed will be the visitors to west Des Moines valley the tigers.

Number one ranked will be the home team.

Thank you so much for joining us.

ALLY, this should be a powerful game.

Both of these two teams are the best hitting teams in the state.

>> I'm really excited for this game.

Valley versus pleasant valley.

Power versus power.

They lead nearly almost every statistical offensive category in the state of Iowa right now.

If I had a bet, I would say this could be a high-scoring affair.

>> Buckle in and stay tuned.

Both of these teams also a lot of experience at the state championship in terms of making it to that title game.

Let's begin with pleasant valley.

They were in this championship game just a season ago.

This is their fifth consecutive trip to the state tournament.

>> Nine of the 11 starters played in the state championship last year.

They are looking for redemption.

They want to bring a state title back to the Bettendorf bet area.

They lead the state in batting average, hits and second in RBIs.

They can hit the ball.

>> For west Des Moines valley, the tigers, this will be the ninth state title game.

They are 7-1 in championship games.

>> They don't like to lose.

Its very rare that they lose a state championship game under coach Tom bakey.

He recorded his 1,000th career win this season.

These valley tigers know how to hit the ball and coach Tom Bakey does little things right.

>> A lovely breeze.

You talk about a power game, ALLY, the wind is blowing out straight towards left center.

This is a hitter's paradise.

Mostly cloudy.

81 degrees.

Definitely some July Iowa humidity in the air.

We get ready for some festivities on the field.

Tim Fitzpatrick and Jason are on the MIC.

>> This marks the 43rd year that greatest softball players in Iowa have been inducted in the high school softball hall of fame.

Four mover the state's greats join 145 other peers as this year's hall of fame inductees.

Handing out awards today is the executive director Aaron GERLIC.

Let's meet the hall of fame class of 2024.

Rogers park was the second home to today's first inductee.

In four seasons of being the team's ace, she pitched Johnston to the class 5-A championship game four times.

Winning state titles in 2014 and 2016.

A four-time first team all state selection, her win in the 2016 -- 5-A state championship gave her a career 20 strikeouts.

The state tournament stats are impressive.

10E-2 record at Rogers park, 63 strikeouts.

She is named three all tournament teams earning captain honors as a senior.

She went on to play college softball to western Kentucky.

She and her husband reside in the Dallas area with their 2 1/2-year-old son.

Today she returns to the pitching circle she owned for four seasons.

Welcome the first Johnston dragon to be inducted into the softball hall of fame, Haley towers.

>> Our next inductee played from 2010-2014.

Much she was a wizard with the bat.

First team all state honors five times.

Iowa's leading hitter in four of the five seasons.

She batted over 604 times, hitting .651.

She had ten or more doubles four times and led the state in triples twice.

She would finish with a career batting average higher than anyone else.

She also finished with 117 career extra base hits and striking out 11 times in 528 plate appearances.

She was just as successful in her two seasons at Des Moines area community college.

Hitting .566 with 25 home runs with 153 RBI in two seasons while striking out just three times in that span.

From there she went to northern Iowa and earned all conference honors in two seasons with the panthers.

As a senior, she hit .379, striking out three times.

For her career at northern Iowa, she hit .338 striking out just seven times over two seasons.

Following her graduation from northern Iowa in 2019, she began teaching.

She and her husband have two children, Charlie and Jack.

Welcome to the IGSIU baseball hall of fame.

One of the top hitters, from twin cedars, Brittany roamy.

It can be argued that no-hitter in the history of Iowa high school football was feared more than the final inductee.

Playing from 2012 to 2016 SHRVEGS is the career home run leader, 71 home runs with 203 RBIs.

Four-time first team all state selection, she burst on to the scene as an eighth grader when she had a state record, three home runs with nine RBI and helped win the class 5-A state title.

She helped reach the state tournament again with 24 home runs and 60 RBIs.

She was named to the all tournament team despite being walked six times in 11 plate appearances.

Her final seasons saw her reach double digit home runs.

In the three seasons, she hit 40 home runs but was walked 172 times with the majority of the walks intentional.

For her career, she batted 503 with 203 RBIs walking 218 times and 734 plate appearances.

She started at the university of Minnesota in 2017 and '18 N her tenure with the Gophers, she was the big 10 conference player of the year twice and first team all American honors as a freshman and second team all American pick her sophomore season.

As a freshman, her 20 home runs and 76 RBIs are Minnesota school records.

She transferred to the university of Florida her junior season earning SEC all conference honors twice.

She was a third team all American selection in 2019 with 15 home runs and helping her team reach the college world series.

She went on to play professional softball for the Florida vibe while serving as a graduate assistant for the Florida gators.

She now resides in Phoenix, Arizona, working for SINTUS.

Let's welcome Iowa home run Queen back to the park.

Hall of famer, Kendall LINDAMAN.

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome your hall of famers.

Congratulations.

Also inducted into this class but unable to be presidenten to the day to receive the award is amber FIZer from batton community.

>> We get ready for the starting lineups for this 5-A championship game.

A decorated class.

Amber Pfizer inducted, unable to be here.

What a power she was in her time at benton community.

Certainly you see some fantastic players.

Some of the top talent in the country come through the high school state tournament.

>> Ally: We've seen some phenomenal softball players in the high school state tournament here in Ft.

Dodge.

It's fun to see the players come back and get the standing ovation like they do.

We do have a little delay here.

They are rechalking some of the lines in the batter's box.

So, need to make sure that is set up properly before we can get going.

>> Crew here at Rogers park has done a fantastic job all week long as state tournament got started on Monday.

You talk about multiple games every single day.

Yesterday before the semifinals for the first game, there was a rain delay.

About 2 1/2, 3 innings in.

West Des Moines valley was in the midst of their game against ANKENY.

Got shut gown for a while and then started back up.

Tell you what, what do you do during a rain delay?

Well, there was some singing and dancing inside the dugout before the teams exited.

What do you do when they rechalk the boxes?

You get out and do a line dance.

Absolutely.

>> Ally: That rain delay yesterday proved to be a good thing for valley.

They came out afterwards and just absolutely crushed the ball.

Bats were quiet before that rain delay.

Whatever they did during that rain delay is what I would recommend.

>> And they are slowly making their way out of the dugout as pleasant valley is lined up on the chalk line.

They are ready to go.

Pleasant valley, state runner's up a season ago.

>> The wind is out of the southeast at nine.

Relative humidity at 64%.

Bare met Rick pressure 30.04 and rising slightly.

Nearest fire is 252 miles away.

I think we're good there.

For those of you night people, we'll have a waning moon at 8:43.

>> The state of Iowa here in Ft.

Dodge, Iowa.

The final day for 5-A and second championship game tonight will be the 4-A title game.

We have our coaches meeting here to talk about the power numbers and everything.

We're excited for this game because especially that wind still continuing to blow out.

We're excited because of the offensive opportunities.

If you flip the coin over, there are pitchers and pitchers parents that are nervous.

You go into a team, the pitchers have got to be locked in today to give their teams a chance.

>> Ally: Alexis and Kaitlyn getting the starts today in the circle for both of these squads.

Their job today is keep the ball on the ground.

Keep the base runners off a solo shot.

They know the offenses are going to put up a ton of runs or are capable of putting up a ton of runs.

I have a feeling tonight we're going to see two very different styles of games.

There are 5-A game tonight, two power houses.

They swing the bat hard.

They go for the long ball.

Whereas our 4-A game, they're known for playing small ball.

Two very different styles of softball if you're tuning in for both games tonight.

>> Heller, 11 home runs on the season.

12 on the year for Kasey Kane.

13 for Mary Withers for the pleasant valley Spartans.

Certainly a number of kids that have shown that long ball all season long.

And a handful of kids on both teams that have gone the distance multiple times over the fence.

>> Ally: You talk about the talent and that hall of fame class, talk about the talent on the field right now.

MARIN helper, shortstop for valley.

Committed to Florida state.

I mean, just a phenomenal program there.

You have two pleasant valley Spartans committed to go to Iowa state.

May big 12 softball.

Several other athletes looking at playing D-2, NIA ball.

So a ton of future collegiate softball players on the field today.

>> So we have head coaches Miked up throughout our broadcast, umpires wearing micro phones.

And so, we'll get great inside look and listen into how these teams are feeling as the course of the game goes on.

>> So we're getting ready to go here.

>> Good afternoon softball fans and welcome to Rogers sports complex and the 5-A state championship game between the visiting team, the pleasant valley Spartans and the home team from west Des Moines, the valley tigers!

>> Now, let's meet the players and coaches for both teams.

First of all, for the visitors, from pleasant valley, here are your nonstarters.

Number 3, grace George.

Number 6, McKinley Gnewuch.

Number nine, JAYLA Bischoff.

Number 12, Abby Rogers.

Number 13, MACYN Bischoff.

Number 14, Eden Russmann.

And number 15, Taylor Taylor Harris.

Your assistant coaches are peg Peggy Klingler and Zach Miller.

Now, here's your starting lineup for the Spartans of pleasant valley, leading off playing short STUP, number two, JESSIE Clemons.

Number 1, Hansen.

Batting third, doing the catching, number 7, Kasey Kane.

Playing for the part yarns and center field, number 11, Mary Paige Withers.

Batting fifth at first base, number 18, Sarah Rigdon.

Batting sixth in left field, number five, Addison Ohda.

Number 19, Kaitlyn Merkel.

The designated player, number 20, MacKenzie Fah.

In the ninth position at third base, number eight, Ava Crowley.

And in right field, cammy wood.

Head coach of the Spartans, Amanda ray.

And now, let's meet the home team from valley.

Here are the nonstarters.

Number 3, ILSA Hervey.

Number five, NIA Finn.

Number six, Schwingendorf.

Number seven, piper Broderick.

Number nine, Drew Cooley.

Number 11, Aubrey Wright.

Number 15, Jocelyn Muir.

Of number 16, JORDYN Huffman.

Number 17, Mera Hart.

Number 20, Mera Hart.

25, Roemmich.

Number 22, Emily King and number 44, lily Finn.

Your assistant coaches, Megan rushing, Randy Ripperger, Hannah fry, Jasmine Spann, Mary Whitaker and Chad Barnes.

Now here's your starting lineup for the valley tigers, leading off playing center field, number two, Ireland Broderick.

Batting second at second base, number one, KARI rose.

The batting third at shortstop, number 12, MARIN Heller.

Number eight, Claire Long.

Batting fifth in left field, number 27, MAC Mohler.

Number four, Anna Eastin.

Batting seventh at third base, number 13, Audrey Heller.

Batting eighth doing the pitching, number 21, Alexis Stevermer.

And the designated player, number 10, Anna Scully.

And your flex player doing the catching, number 22, Paige Christenson.

Head coach for the valley tigers, Tom Bakey.

Ladies and gentlemen, now please turn your attention to the home plate area.

The umpires assigned to this 5-A state championship game by the Iowa girl's high school athletic union, at first base, Brian Cole, Todd Donels, and calling the balls and strikes, Raun Taylor.

All right.

Who's ready to win a state championship?

>> Let's start by taking a look at the defense for the home team.

West Des Moines valley is on the field first.

Pleasant valley will be grabbing their bats and batting gloves and helmets.

And they will be looking to attack this right here.

Mohler, Broderick, Eastin in the outfield.

On left side of the infield, Heller at third, and Heller at shortstop.

Rose at second.

Long at first.

Behind the plate will be Emma Scully.

And in the circle, Alexa Stevermer.

20-1 own the season.

At 1.50 earned run average, over 120 innings pitched.

And Stevermer only lost one game all season.

She is one of the best in the state.

She'll play college softball at Luther next season.

>> Ally: And Stevermer was lights out yesterday against ANKENY.

She throws to the zone.

She's going to induce contact from the lineup.

>> Here's the pleasant valley batting order.

As you see, Clemons, Hansen and KANE at the top, Mary Paige Withers in that cleanup spot.

You have three of those top four planning to play college softball.

Ashley Hansen in that two spot of the batting order.

Just a sophomore.

She will certainly have some opportunities in front of her.

>> Ally: For pleasant valley, key is to attack early.

They know valley is going to score runs.

They need to do the same.

A couple errors yesterday.

Stay clean.

>> Out to attack early is Clemons.

>> Ally: And then for west Des Moines, don't stop scoring.

They have a powerful offense.

And the middle infielders, they're fun to watch.

Heller and rose, watch the two of them today.

They're fast.

>> So, here goes Clemons.

Digging in.

And the first pitch from Clemons, one of those players who likes to see a lot of pitches.

She feels comfortable going deep into the count.

Looks at one there.

The count goes even at 1-1.

>> Ally: Just a very patient hitter.

That is something that for some hitters, it works.

It for some it doesn't work.

She likes to see a lot of pitches, as you mention.

Key for her to get on to bring you have Ashley Hansen, the speedster on deck.

>> 2-1 now the count.

Clemons.

Scored 59 runs during the season before the state tournament.

And here's a pop fly.

Shallow left field.

Long run.

And Mohler will not get there.

Skirts away from Mohler.

And into second goes Jesse Clemons.

Pleasant valley starts this production.

>> Jesse Clemons could not write that up perfectly.

The outfield is playing deep.

They know the power she has.

She paints it right in the Bermuda triangle.

Perfect start for pleasant valley.

>> Goes down as a single an an E-7 on Mohler.

An error charged to the left fielder.

And now Clemons at second with Ashley Hansen to the plate.

Puts one down.

Right past the third baseman.

Audrey Heller was charging.

It's a bunt for a single for Hansen.

Runners on the corners.

>> Ally: Hansen, a state champion in track & field.

She is fast.

This is dangerous combination on the corners right now for pleasant valley.

That is exactly how they wrote it up.

And coach Tom Bakey is coming out for an early conference with the infield.

>> So pleasant valley, offensively, getting things rolling.

Head coach Amanda ray and coach Tom Bakey out to settle down the defense.

>> You can try to score her.

>> You're hearing the pleasant valley head coach, Amanda ray.

And there is coach Tom Bakey.

>> Play cover two.

We're in the X call, right?

>> Yeah.

>> Oh, OKAY.

yeah, we'll cover three.

Cover three.

All right.

Cover three.

We're all right.

Let's go to work.

Tough break there.

We're all right.

Let's go to work.

Defense, one, two, three, defense.

All right.

>> I love the trust that coach Tom Bakey has on the infield.

He said, we're in cover two.

Second baseman Kari Rose called out the situation.

Coach, I think we would be better cover three here.

So just the trust he has on the infield, I love that communication.

>> You know the athletes are paying attention to what the coaches are talking about in practice, what they're preaching.

So, Kasey Kane now the batter to face Stevermer.

Shows bunt.

Down to second.

A stolen base.

The throw from Scully just behind the speedy Hansen.

>> And Hansen here just a great jump off first base.

Scully was throwing all the way.

Valley was going for the early out.

I think it actually probably caught Clemons off guard a little bit at third.

>> Led the team in stolen bases last year as a freshman.

Has 36 this season for pleasant valley.

Here's a pop fly right.

The wind blowing it back into play.

Catch made by Rose.

Tagging from third.

Scoring is Clemons!

Pleasant Valley is on the board.

>> Outstanding base running from Clemons at third base.

She sees the second baseman going to the right-field line with catch.

I love the start from pleasant Valley.

This ZBL a great play by Rose?

Foul territory.

It does allow a run to score.

So Mary Paige Withers.

She had two RBIs in the semifinal game.

Also a sac fly was part of those runs batted in.

Scored two runs herself in the quarterfinal round.

>> Stevermer here working the outside corner against pleasant Valley's power hitter.

straight curve ball there against Mary Paige Withers.

Staying outside once again.

>> Catches the corner that time.

Even the count at 1-1.

>> And pleasant valley listening to the keys to the game.

You have to attack early.

That's what they've done so far.

.

>> This one is chopped foul.

For Stevermer.

117 innings pitched.

73 strikeouts on the season.

A good number.

Not a staggering eye popping number of strikeouts.

Sometimes if you're a pitcher, you just produce outs is really the job you need to go do.

Gets a punchout there.

Withers goes down swinging.

>> Perfect pitch from Stevermer.

Gets Withers chasing.

You'll see this pitch right below the knees off the plate outside.

nice pitch.

>> Sarah Rigdon, junior first baseman steps in.

She likes to attack pitches early in her at bat.

Looks at bail off t Valley.

>> Sarah worked really hard in the offseason.

Once she got confidence, she's been crushing the ball.

A very coachable kid.

You're in the five spot.

>> Very close.

Very positive.

A fun conversation we got to have yesterday.

Just very upbeat.

Very positive about her team.

Very excited to be here.

Really, truly a fun conversation.

>> Line drive right back to Stevermer.

The flip to first.

It's in time.

She gets Rigdon.

That was a laser right back at Stevermer.

Appears as though she is OKAY.

>> Wow.

I'm glad Stevermer is OKAY.

That was absolutely blasted off the bat.

Luckily it looks like it hit her glove.

>> One, two, three, hit!

Stevermer settles into the dugout.

She'll get a chance to take a deep breath.

Allows one run on a couple of hits and one Valley error.

West Des Moines Valley, one of the best fielding teams.

Let's take a look at what the bottom of the first will bring us.

Pleasant Valley defensively, Ohda, woods and Withers in the outfield.

Ava Crowley and Clemons on the left side.

Of Hansen and Rigdon at second and first.

Kasey Kane behind the dish.

Merkel.

Pleasant Valley.

Here is a little more on Merkel.

15-0.

E.R.A.

under three.

Less of a strikeout pitcher.

>> Popouts for her team.

Occasionally will give up the solo shot.

That's OKAY.

Just keep runners off base.

>> 17 strikeouts according to the stats.

Take a look at the offense.

Get it started with Broderick, rose, and Heller followed by Long, Mohler, Eastin, Heller, Stevermer and Sculley.

>> So they get started with Ireland Broderick.

West Des Moines valley centerfielder set to play softball in college at Minnesota state university.

>> Broderick yesterday hit an absolute shot over the center field bench.

Her first over the fence home run.

Pretty cool for the left-handed hitter.

>> Absolutely.

Had a big day.

3 for 4 yesterday.

Also a double.

Scored three runs.

Has a stolen base as well.

Has some -- an inside-the-park home run earlier in her career according to coach Tom bake -- Tom Bakey saying it was over the fence.

And that's right back to Merkel.

Gloves it easily.

Two pitches and we have one away we're in the bottom of the first.

>> Right there, exactly what Merkel needs to do this game.

Mix up locations on the plate.

Get the soft ground ball right back to her.

So Kari Rose is stepping in.

3 for 4 in the quarterfinal round game.

Having an excellent state tournament.

>> The entire top half of this Valley lineup is lights out yesterday.

It was just hit after hit after hit.

>> An 8-1 win yesterday in the semifinals.

11-1 over Cedar Rapids prairie in five innings for West Des Moines Valley.

Here is the 1-1 to rose.

>> One thing with this Valley team so far in the state tournament, they scored more runs later in the game than they have early in the games.

Prairie had a 1-0 lead in the quarterfinals as well.

Kept it very, very close for the first couple innings.

So, important for valley against the bats of Pleasant Valley to attack.

>> Here is a base hit up the middle.

Into center field.

That's for Kari Rose.

And West Des Moines valley has the first base runner of the game in the first inning.

>> These two middle infielders are unstoppable.

>> So rose at first.

And now Heller digs in.

The junior shortstop verbally committing to Florida state to play softball leads the 5-A field in runs batted in.

That gets away from Kasey Kane.

A runner in scoring position for Valley.

>> Umpire Raun Taylor there going to give catcher Kasey Kane a second here.

Very nice of the umpire to do that.

When you're a catcher, you get one off the chest, knocks the wind out of you just a little bit.

>> So first pitch to Heller down in the dirt.

That one is out over the place.

Heller chops it foul.

1-1 the count.

And you played college softball at Iowa state.

When you're having a good season, you have pitchers really treat you very delicately.

Right?

Not many pitches will be out over the plate, hopefully for the pitcher's sake, none right down the middle.

You have to stay ready every pitch.

>> You have to assume you're going to get one good pitch per at bat.

You might see six or seven, eight pitches even in an at bat.

You have to expect that one will be really good.

All the other ones are slightly off the plate.

You have to attack that side.

>> 12 home runs.

There's a line drive up the middle.

That was left over the plate.

It gets to the fence easily scoring from second is Rose.

And a sliding double for Heller.

>> Showing exactly why she is committed to go big time.

That double into left field.

She gets fully extended on that ball.

You'll see the replay here.

Just beautiful fast swing.

Right through the middle.

>> And Rose comes around to score.

Scored two runs in every game at the state tournament coming into championship game.

We're tied at one.

And Claire Long, senior first baseman comes in to face Merkel with Heller at second base.

>> Long coming into the state tournament over 50 RBIs on the season.

Just goes to show how dangerous this top of the lineup is for them to commit.

A tougher day at the plate yesterday.

She is capable of so, so much.

>> 0 for 3 yesterday.

0 for 2 technically in the quarter final round but had an RBI sac fly.

This will be a popout tagging from second, faking the run to third is Heller.

So, no advancement.

And there is two away here in the first.

>> Smart base running there by Heller.

Kami Wood had a great jump on that and great throw.

It would have been very, very close at third.

>> So now Mohler steps in.

And you talk about power hitting, Mohler has a home run in each game here at the state tournament.

A home run, four RBIs in the quarterfinal round.

Game five, five RBIs yesterday including a three-run bomb in the bottom of the fifth inning.

>> She is seeing the ball so well.

Eight total bases off three hits on Monday.

And there is another one.

>> Change-up.

Straight center field.

Over the head of Withers.

Headed for second and safe at second is Mohler.

An RBI double for MacKenzie Mohler.

And a couple of hard rocket shots already from both teams.

>> Mohler almost hit it too hard.

Very close play at second base.

Heller up easy coming into home.

And I think these are the fireworks we expected in this game.

>> As promised.

Coming here in the first inning.

Valley takes a 2-1 lead.

Anna Eastin, an opportunity to add to it with Mohler at second base.

Eastin, 0 for 3 yesterday.

1 for 3 in the quarterfinal round.

This is hit into left field.

Ohda comes up throwing.

Fires it home.

Right on the money.

Out at the plate is Mohler.

Thrown out trying to score.

Kasey Kane makes the tag.

Both Kasey Kane and Mohler come up limping.

Fireworks early on.

Both teams testing each other.

Defensive plays being made as well.

2-1, west Des Moines valley with the lead over PV.

After the first inning.

>> Here we are, Valley and Pleasant Valley.

Both teams -- Pleasant Valley's had a couple of close games.

Eight-inning win.

A 4-2 win.

Valley has been rolling teams here at the state tournament.

If there say team that you would figure could hit and hang with West Des Moines valley, it's Pleasant Valley.

>> You're right.

Looking at this state tournament matchups all throughout the field, you knew Pleasant Valley and Valley would be the two teams putting up the most runs.

It really was going to be a matter if anyone had the defense to shut them down.

They proved that they didn't.

Here we are.

I mean, one inning in, already has three runs on the board.

I'm expecting quite a few more today.

West Des Moines Valley .

>> On that play, MAC Mohler is limping.

We have to see if Kasey Kane is also good to go.

>> 2-1 the count on Ohda.

You make a defensive play, you're likely to lead off that next half inning, right?

>> Never fails.

Amped up.

Juices are flowing from the excellent defensive play.

>> We talked about the collision at home plate on that play.

How about the throw from Ohda?

>> Right?

>> Nothing was on a line.

>> Right on the money.

Kasey Kane made the catch, slid off to the right.

The catcher in excellent position.

That one is just foul.

A rocket there from Ohda.

This Pleasant Valley team, you may see color in the hair including in head coach Amanda ray.

A lot of the players, the glitter.

They get together weekly for something.

Usually it's just ice cream.

They got together before the state tournament.

Everybody colored their hair.

They did something with their hair to get them ready.

>> I know yesterday some of them had blue.

Some was pink.

Some had sparkles in it.

So, just mix it up a little.

>> Full count pitch fouled into the backstop.

>> Maybe we should do that next year.

>> The we could.

>> we could.

>> Get together.

You're talking ice cream or dying hair?

>> Dying hair.

>> I was talking ice cream.

I bring the ice cream, you bring the hair dye, let's see what happens.

Get pink to match the excellent vibe they have here they state softball tournament.

Our first free pass of the game.

Ohda watches ball four.

Kaitlyn Merkel now comes to the plate.

Merkel this off-season, battled a shoulder injury.

>> Talk about a player that had to overcome adversity throughout her time in high school but to just get back on the softball field.

Last year major, much more major injury than this year.

But this year as well.

You mentioned the shoulder.

She was sick earlier in the season.

But she came back and once again pitching in a state championship.

>> Yeah.

And last year, if you remember the championship game from a year ago, if not, in the fall of 2022, there was an accident where she cracked her skull.

Actually left her with a brain injury.

Her recovery is really just a miracle.

She got cleared in January of 2023 for some athletic activity.

And she was pitching in state championship game last year.

Just being at state is my dream.

And just softball gave her a focus for her recovery.

She's just continuing to work and get better.

1-2 the count now.

>> Really cool.

When you think about everything outside of softball, I mean, softball is just such a small part of life.

Such a nice reward to make it to the state championship two years if a row.

>> The 1-2.

Flip to second.

Over to first in time.

How about the 6-4-3 double play.

The tigers flash the leather.

>> I was telling you about the middle infield before this game.

Kari Rose and Heller are so fast on the turn.

Watch her stay low.

Kari Rose in full on splits right here.

>> Excellent defensive play.

We talked about Valley's fielding percentage.

Over 97% on the season.

A double play like that, too, credit to Stevermer.

Sometimes those ground balls are really, really big.

>> They truly are.

That's exactly what she's going for in the way she pitches.

She spins.

You'll see almost every single one of the Pleasant Valley hitters has gotten a pitch right up at the hands.

Jamming them to get a weak ground ball or pop-up as we saw on that foul ball.

>> This is MacKenzie Fah, junior, DP.

Yesterday was 0 for 3 and quarterfinals, 1 for 3.

Stevermer misses down low.

1-1 the count.

Stevermer, 20 victories on the year.

change-up.

>> I love the choice to go off speed.

Fah is out ahead of it.

The pitch prior, Stevermer caught her offguard.

>> Two down in the top of the second inning.

1-2 is down in the dirt.

24 runs batted in on the year.

24 hits.

Hits over .400.

This one slapped down the right-field line will end up foul and over among the folding chairs and fans making their way towards the championship field.

>> Fah showing fight.

Seeing a lot of pitches from Stevermer.

>> A grounder.

Right at Heller.

And the throw over to first.

This is out number three.

A double play from Valley shut down that leadoff walk by Ohda.

Pleasant Valley comes up empty.

We go to the bottom of the second.

Valley leading 2-1.

>> Here's the change-up.

Make her throw strikes and we'll be real happy.

Take her the other way.

>> They go to the opposite field when facing Kaitlyn Merkel.

Take a look at the junior pitcher for Pleasant Valley.

180 frames per second.

>> Kaitlyn Merkel, as you see there, really getting over the top of it on the pitch on that drop ball.

Trying to get just as much spin as she can.

Coach Tom Bakey talking to hitters, go opposite field.

He wants the hitters to wait on it.

He wants them to go with the pitch.

She's trying to stay off the plate outside.

>> A lot of spin from Merkel.

For West Des Moines Valley -- seven, eight, nine in the order.

First pitch strike to Audrey Heller.

Audrey Heller, the sophomore of the Hellers.

Third baseman was 1 for 2 yesterday.

And reached on a walk.

Looks at one just below the knees.

1-1.

>> Between the two of them, they shut it down defensively.

Valley, a 977 fielding percentage on the year and it starts on left side.

>> Merkel missing just outside the plate.

Maybe the outside part of the strike zone.

You have both teams that have so many really good hitters.

Sometimes you'll have to do that for three or four hitters, maybe five or six.

You get a few hitters, maybe you can relax a little bit.

Get ahead in the count.

It's hard to do it on both of these lineups.

>> The entire lineup can hit the ball.

>> There's a grounder left side.

Gets by Clemons.

>> Audrey Heller pulling the ball.

Going left side with it.

Clemons just off of her glove.

I think even if she would have fielded it, I would be a single.

Her momentum is going toward the third-base line.

You love to see the effort.

Heller was on regardless.

But you're exactly right.

There is no-hitter in this lineup that you can take a quote/unquote break with.

You have to attack every single one.

These pitchers are getting some calls on that outside corner which is an advantage to the pitchers.

Yesterday in the semifinal games, they were not necessarily getting that side.

>> A bunt right in front of the plate.

Covering is Hansen over at one.

To get the out.

Advances Audrey Heller to second base.

>> We talk about the power of the teams.

How about that sacrifice bunt for Alexa Stevermer.

Advancing her runner.

>> If you plan on joining us for both of the games, you'll see plenty of bunts coming up in that 4-A title game.

>> Two conference rivals will battle for a state title.

A throw back to second base.

And back safely is helper.

Kasey Kane on the same page as Hansen, the second baseman.

She is trying to catch her sleeping.

>> I thought she was going to take her head off.

Watch out, pitchers.

>> Here's the 0-1.

And that's a called strike.

>> Caught with the offspeed pitch and painting the offside corner.

Once again, 0-2.

>> So the batter Emma Scully, two hits.

She looks at one up high.

Is-2 is the count.

The tigers catcher made the tag.

Out at home.

Back -- two away in the second inning.

We go to the top of the order.

Brings up Ireland Broderick.

The senior centerfielder.

There's a sticker on all of West Des Moines Valley's helmets that mean a lot to her.

You recognize the last name?

From Central Iowa.

It's been a tough year for the Broderick family.

A year ago, they found out -- a grounder right up the middle.

Merkel makes the flip to first.

We'll come back to that story next time we see Ireland Broderick.

As she is out.

We flip the page.

So West Des Moines Valley set to take the field and for coach Tom Bakey, he loves having Alexa Stevermer in the circle.

As she gets warmed up, we saw Merkel at 180 frames per second.

Let's crank up that FS 9 once again.

Stevermer, the Luther commit.

She goes more with that upward spin.

You see the rise ball in that first pitch.

A ton of spin on that ball.

Look for extension to the front of the circle there.

Stevermer not as much of a strikeout pitcher.

Does bring it with some velocity, though.

Does the right-hander.

>> And that's given up one run on two hits.

Both of those in the first inning.

That's how Pleasant Valley started the game.

Ahead to left for Clemons.

A bunt single for Hansen.

And for Pleasant Valley, 9-1-2 to begin the inning.

>> Pleasant Valley is so productive at the top of the lineup.

If they're going to win this game, they need production from the top and bottom half.

Right now, we're looking 9-1-2.

Huge opportunity for Pleasant Valley in the top of the third.

>> Ava Crowley is like an extra leadoff hitter.

Gets a piece of that first pitch for strike one.

Ava Crowley a double yesterday.

0 for 3.

Scored a run in the quarterfinal round win.

Here's a pop fly.

Going to stay in the infield.

And Audrey Heller, the sophomore, makes the catch.

>> Ava Crowley there just getting jammed on that pitch.

Stevermer working that upward spin on her rise ball.

And Clemons now got it started for PV in the first inning.

Opportunity to do it now with one out.

>> Scored the only run for Pleasant Valley that came in the first inning.

Stevermer almost buzzed one past Scully there.

>> Jesse Clemons, Kasey Kane.

>> So three balls, no strikes now to JESSIE Clemons.

It's .459 on the season.

And looks at a strike.

>> And Clemons just staying very, very patient throughout this at bat as she did in the first at bat as well.

Way ahead in the count.

She's looking for something THE -- she can crush here.

>> She was on 2023 all tournament team for PV last year.

What a nice running catch by Heller at short.

Takes away a base hit from Clemons.

>> Heller just gets an absolutely unreal jump on the ball.

Not many short stops are going to make that play without going to the ground.

She gets it in full stride over the shoulder T great play by Heller.

>> Heller just a junior, planning to play softball at Florida state.

Hansen chops it right at Heller.

Quick throw over to first.

And gets the speedy Hansen.

1, 2, 3 inning for Stevermer and the tigers.

As we head now to the bottom of the third inning.

West Des Moines Valley with a top of the order.

Top part of the order coming up.

Two, three, four to get started.

>> West Des Moines Valley fans making their way here.

We'll step aside for a quick break and be right back.

Pleasant Valley on defense when we return.

>> West Des Moines Valley to the plate here in the bottom of the third.

Working with a one-run lead.

Kari Rose to the plate.

Had a single in her first at bat.

Scored the tigers' first run.

Scored on a Heller base hit.

>> Heading into a very dangerous part of the Valley lineup for Kaitlyn Merkel.

She needs to stay on the corners.

Not give anything too good to Kari Rose or Heller.

>> Kari Rose first at bat, a grounder up the middle between second base and the shortstop Clemons.

And her approach at the plate, line drives up the middle.

She says that's what I'm always thinking.

Line drives up the middle.

>> Perfect approach.

If you're come willing to the plate thinking I want to hit a home run, I can tell you right now, you're not going to do it.

If you're thinking line drive up the middle, that's when good things start to happen.

Doubles to the fence.

Home runs over the fence.

Keep your approach simple.

That's all you need to do.

The.

>> For Rose, she's hitting over .500 on the season.

.516 coming in.

So much respect.

She'll draw a walk.

Leadoff the third inning.

So MARIN Heller comes to the plate.

>> A huge opportunity for Valley to open this.

A one-run game.

Very dangerous hitters, Heller, coming up to bat.

These are two huge outs if Merkel can get them.

>> Heller, just incredible defensive player.

Such a special talent.

It's her first year playing high school ball as well.

>> She plays softball all around the country.

This is exactly what she needs to do.

During the break, just great at shortstop.

Her exchange against the slap hitters.

That is something that is so underrated.

The fielder's ability to exchange glove hand to throwing hand so fast.

It's something you can't really teach.

>> There say quick twitch about her that just gives her that ability.

>> That doesn't mean kids can't practice and get faster with their glove work.

She certainly puts in the time to do so.

But the speed at which she moves, it's something you can't teach everybody.

>> It's an instinct.

>> That gets past Withers for a base hit.

Throw comes in.

Runners on the corners.

Line drive up the middle.

What has she done?

Line drive to left center.

Line drive to right center.

>> So Rose at third.

Heller at first.

Heller, 2 for 2 here in the championship game.

Trying to win a class 5-A state title.

>> She would love nothing more than to get her first hit in this tournament.

>> Long has 51 RBIs on the year.

>> She had an RBI sac fly in the quarterfinal round game.

>> West Des Moines Valley a win yesterday on ten hits.

They have six hits here in the first two plus innings.

Not done yet here in the third.

>> Interesting situation.

So far, Valley not showing steel with the number four hitter up.

>> Long looks at a strike.

Two stolen bases yesterday, though in, the semifinal game.

>> Different PROECH her -- approach here, I guess.

>> Kasey Kane behind the plate.

>> She has a cannon of an arm.

I'd be careful if I was Valley.

Also a one-run ball game.

You don't want to give up any base runners.

>> Nobody out, right?

A lot of ball left here in this third inning.

>> If you're in a two out situation, you may try it to see if you can make something happen.

Right now, no outs.

Runners on the corners.

See if you can build an inning rather than getting someone thrown out early.

>> A 3-1 count.

Lined right at Clemons.

The throw across the diamond.

To try and get a double play on Heller.

Unsuccessful.

>> And Claire Long hit that ball very hard.

You'll see off the bat.

Clemons just ready to go.

Trying to get the Florida state commit Heller back at first.

Heller slides in safe.

>> And a big out.

No runners able to advance.

Mohler to the plate.

An RBI double in her first at bat.

Two on here with one out in the third inning.

Mohler.

Shows bunt.

Pushes a run in.

And they get the out at one.

Rigdon flipping it to Hansen.

Advancing to second is Heller.

>> With the match Mohler has had, I was not expecting a squeeze play.

>> I don't know if anybody was.

>> I love it.

Coach Tom Bakey.

>> She's hit a home run in every game so far here at the state tournament.

And just lay down a sacrifice bunt to push in.

Another run here in the third.

So Anna Eastin now has an opportunity.

She had a single.

And Heller at second in scoring position with two away.

>> And it just seems this part of the valley lineup, when they come up, they have runners ready to score.

>> Here's the 1-0.

Down in the dirt.

Heller doesn't go anywhere.

>> Two outs, anything to the outfield.

Heller will get a good jump.

Could have a great opportunity to put up another run.

>> Anything that sees green.

If a ball touches green, Heller is planning to score.

>> The 2-0.

Just low.

Just missing.

Good looking pitch from Merkel.

>> Merkel is dancing right around the strike zone right now.

That ball did not miss by much.

Needs to dial in it just a little.

And that one was middle, middle.

>> The 3-0 pitch you expect no swing and a full red light.

Eastin now with a hitter's count.

Three balls, one strike.

Two away here in the third.

That one over the outside portion of the plate.

All of a sudden, a full count here for Eastin.

>> And Merkel, the last two pitches dialled in and painting the outside corner.

>> High flyball right center field.

Withers is back.

It's over the fence!

A two-run bomb for Anna Eastin.

>> I tell you what, Mohler surprises us with the squeeze play.

It is Anna Eastin's turn for the home run for the Valley tigers.

These Valley Tigers can hit.

My gosh can they hit.

Look at this ball right over the right center wall.

>> That is Eastin and her fifth home run of the season.

And delivers a huge blow here in the championship game.

>> And Pleasant Valley is going to make a pitching change here.

>> To the DP side to pitch.

>> Got you.

>> Making a change.

And then a one-two punch for Pleasant Valley all season.

Grace George is coming in.

14-2 on the season.

Played in the game against through three innings.

No runs on just one hit.

Struck out two and walked one.

>> One thing to note how they did that substitution for when Pleasant Valley is up to bat, grace George subbed in for the designated player.

So, by doing that, Kaitlyn Merkel stays in the battle lineup.

It will be grace George who takes Fah's spot in the lineup.

So here's a look at grace George.

>> Four of the five batters this inning, it turned into three runs on just two hits and includes a walk.

>> You have to get ahead.

When you're ahead in the count, it completely opens up your arsenal of pitches.

If you're behind, you have to go over the plate.

And that's exactly what happened there.

You get behind and had to go over the plate.

And these valley hitters make you pay.

>> So Merkel facing 15 batters.

Hands the ball to grace George, the sophomore.

She will face seven, eight, nine in the order.

She faces Audrey Heller.

She had a continuing toll lead off the second inning in her first at bat.

Two outs here in the bottom of the third inning.

And a first pitch strike from George.

>> And that one catches the strike zone to go high enough.

>> Grace George coming in and getting the job done.

0-2 count.

She is way ahead.

Able to throw what she wants now.

>> And that one is -- >> We'll have an illegal pitch called.

Third base umpire, Todd Donels, made the call.

>> So starting to make his way towards the pitcher's circle.

Grace George said something to him.

He shook his head.

Some pitchers know and are aware of thing THEZ sometimes get called for in terms of how they pitch.

>> You mean, a lot of them they know they do it.

It's a matter FF they're going to get called -- matter of if they're going to get called for it or not.

.

>> Sometimes you only see it come out on a certain pitch.

It could have been coming out of contact with the rubber.

Sometimes it's just about their approach before they pitch the ball.

There were some pitching rule changes before this season.

Here's a grounder.

That is just foul.

>> It doesn't help, right next to the third base umpire.

Men's fast pitch.

Really good pitcher in coach Tom Bakey too.

You know he's hooking at it as well.

>> He's watching and making sure that everything is on the up and up and legal and here in this championship game.

Deuces across the board.

Two balls, two strikes.

Two outs for Heller.

Pop fly, shallow center field.

And that will drop in for a base hit.

>> Audrey Heller could not have placed that more perfectly.

Outfield is playing pretty deep in the middle infield just unable to make the play.

Ashley Hansen at second base was dropping towards it.

I think she was expecting her centerfielder to call her off.

>> Instead, Heller is 2 for 2 with a pair of singles.

And Alexa Stevermer to the plate.

>> Down the sacrifice bunt in her first at bat.

Advanced Heller down to second.

Does not have that option with two outs here in the third inning.

Fouls that back into the netting.

No balls, two strikes.

>> And Stevermer here just looking to get on base.

I mean, she -- good pitcher.

Good hitter.

It's one of those things, you don't see many pitchers who can hit the power like she can.

>> Trying to swipe a base.

She gets caught.

That's you don't run on Pleasant Valley very often.

Kasey Kane, guns it down.

Clemons covering.

And Pleasant Valley gets out of the third inning.

>> The Iowa state showing the cannon and the speed for Pleasant Valley.

>> You see Clemons addressing the Spartans team.

>> They're shifting the momentum for Spartans.

Trailing 5-1.

>> You see it is Jesse Clemons in the huddle talking to teammates now.

Now she passed over to Amanda ray.

>> You're talking like you're done.

It's 5-1.

Start fighting now.

One at a time.

Let's go.

>> You hear coach Amanda ray saying, hey, this game is not over.

It's only the fourth inning.

There is a ton of game left.

>> If you're hoping to catch the game, they don't have to miss the action either.

Live streaming is available now.

You can find us on youtube, Facebook, and Iowa PBS.ORG.

As we'll go international with the Iowa state softball championships.

They're doing a great job promoting the Iowa girl all year long at this state softball tournament and here in the championship games, played here on channel seed field.

Top of the fourth inning.

Kasey Kane to lead things off.

Just made a fantastic defensive play.

>> And who's up to bat?

>> The softball gods.

I tell you what.

>> And a leadoff double for Pleasant Valley.

>> We're top of the fourth.

Kasey Kane driving that thing right back up the middle.

This is the time to start chipping away.

>> A courtesy runner coming into the game for the catcher.

This is Ella RUBEL.

She scored a one in the quarterfinals.

>> Right now, real quick, if you're valley, not a time to get comfortable.

You have the heart of the pleasant valley lineup coming up.

You saw what they were able to do in the first inning.

It felt like all the mom yum was going Pleasant Valley's way.

So if you're valley, not a time to get on your heels.

>> Stevermer misses just outside.

Leadoff single.

Always creates that opportunity for a big inning.

And Pleasant Valley could use one.

Trailing 5-1.

Withers looks at ball two.

Withers, one for two and two RBIs and a sac fly in the semifinals.

One for three in the quarterfinals.

Scored three runs.

Also walked twice.

Here's a line drive.

Foul.

>> Talk about some power right there.

The Valley hitters were saying, focus going opposite field.

I'd love to see that right now from the Pleasant Valley hitters.

Wait on it just a little bit longer H go with the pitch.

>> Withers has 1 on the season.

Three balls.

One strike now.

For Withers.

>> You see a pretty good hack from Withers.

Didn't like it enough to swing on it.

Count runs full.

>> Here is the full count to Withers.

Fouled straight back and Scully just could not hang on to that one.

>> Withers just missed that.

We have the best angle of that pitch coming in.

Her bat was just below that ball.

Game of inches.

She gets that tiny bit higher.

That is going over the center field fence.

>> The 3-2.

Down the line.

That is going to be fair.

It gets past the left fielder Mohler.

Headed for third.

And in safely is RUBEL.

And over to second advances Withers.

>> Amanda ray said this game is not over yet.

Back to back hits on Kasey Kane.

Pleasant Valley is right in this.

And Tom Bakey is going to come out and talk it over with his defense.

>> Coach Amanda ray has the Spartans fired up.

>> All right.

Now, let's do this here.

We have a four-run lead.

Let's make sure we get an out here.

We don't need to be in for anything.

If they drop the bunt, get the out at first play unless you have obviously a play at the plate.

Let's get the out and go to work.

Come on, defense.

One, two, three.

>> Come on, tigers.

>> So leadoff single for Kasey Kane.

A double by Withers.

You have two hits to start the inning.

You hear the crowd getting excited.

We just need to settle down.

Calm the nerves.

As the defense, you can sometimes get tight when you hear the other team just bring some extra energy.

The crowd gets into it.

>> And once the crowd gets night, the dugout is loud.

It can start to feel like a one-run game rather than a four-run game.

That's where the reminder of coming out saying, hey, we have a couple runs of insurance right now.

He's not saying get on your heels and don't attack.

But he is just saying we have an opportunity here.

>> This is shallow left field.

Down for a hit.

Scores a run.

Heller gave one heck of an effort to get after.

That how about three hits to start the fourth inning?

>> And this one, perfectly placed over the shoulder of Heller.

Smart base running at third.

She held up until she sees it down.

>> So runners on the corners.

And Addison Ohda, junior left fielder, steps in.

>> And now we talk about a situation, tying run at the plate.

>> And here's a high flyball.

To center field.

This will score at least a run.

Making the catch is Broderick.

Coming in to score is Withers for pleasant valley.

An RBI sac fly.

And that is just out number one.

>> And well played by Broderick in center field.

She gets behind that ball.

Really her job there, she knows the run is going to score just prevent the runner from first to get to second.

>> So Kaitlyn Merkel now to the plate with one away.

Starting pitcher for Pleasant Valley was pulled in the third inning.

After the Anna Eastin two-run home run.

And will step in and try to help her team offensively in this state championship game.

That one catches the corner.

1-1.

>> I love this opportunity for Merkel.

You're taken out of the circle.

Team effort.

Get Grace in the circle.

She gets to stay in the hitting lineup.

See what she can do here.

Three home runs on the season.

She has some power in her swing.

>> Fouls that one off.

One ball, two strikes now the count.

>> And so now Merkel will have to battle here.

Looking for her first base hit of this 2024 state tournament.

Merkel hitting .350 on the season.

Grounds that one left side.

Audrey Heller scoops it up to throw to second in time.

Merkel gets to first safely.

On the fielder's choice.

>> And Merkel here just getting it off the end of the bat on the low outside pitch.

And Valley, very smart cut down your lead runner.

>> And so grace George is now the batter.

Substituted in for MacKenzie Fah.

As Fah grounded out in her at bat in the second inning.

Grace George coming in.

She'll be pitching for Pleasant Valley.

And now looks at a 1-1 count at the plate.

So for grace George, four at bats on the season coming in.

And with one bat, she's right at .250 as a hitter.

And how about this?

Five at bats all season.

One of them comes in the state championship game.

>> No better time than now.

>> Throughout this week, several teams, I've seen some hitters getting fourth, fifth, sixth at bats of the year coming in with clutch hits as well.

>> Here's the one-two.

Up top.

Dropped by the catcher.

It will require a throw down to first.

>> Valley able to get that third and final out.

Pleasant Valley, though, two big runs up on the board here in the fourth.

Pleasant Valley striking back.

>> OKAY.

Let's go to work.

Score it, one, two, three.

>> You heard coach Tom Bakey in the huddle.

Joining us now is Amanda ray.

What did you like about the bounce back there from the offense in the fourth inning after the big inning from valley?

>> I think they did a good job focusing on one pitch at a time.

We told them, make sure you have quality at bats.

Be disciplined.

Look for a good strike you know you can hit.

That's what they were able to do in that inning.

>> What do you see, obviously, you've always pitched by committee.

What you are seeing in grace that can maybe recover from Kaitlyn?

>> She's got a lot of different spin than Kaitlyn.

We're hoping that can throw them off and take them long to adjust to her pitching rather than Kaitlyn's pitch will.

She did a good job coming in a tough situation for us so far.

>> Coach, thanks a lot for your time.

Get ready for the rest of the championship game.

>> Thank you.

>> Pleasant Valley head coach Amanda ray in her first year as head coach.

She was an assistant for the last three seasons.

Under the previous head coach Jose Laura.

and whack in the state championship game after losing a season ago by a score of 11-50 in five innings.

Making the fifth state title game appearance.

And interesting.

These two teams, alley, they have played earlier this season.

It was an 11-2 win for Pleasant Valley.

That was back on June 1st.

Then end of June, Valley got the win 8-3.

>> And right before we started talking to coach Amanda ray, there you heard coach Tom Bakey in his huddle saying, hey, this ball game is going to take eight runs to win.

You have to -- I mean, you have to think that's true with both these teams' offenses.

We know there will be more runs here.

He thinks eight might be his magic number.

>> There's a grounder to Clemons.

The throw over to first.

Squeezed by Rigdon.

One away.

>> And Stevermer, some hard contact at Clemons.

We talked about the shortstop player Heller.

Clemons on the other side flashing some leather there.

The Iowa state commit, very, very good in her own right.

>> So Emma Scully steps in.

>> First SPICH a ball.

>> Scully the groundout in her last at bat.

We talk about the good hitting in this lineup.

Scully the nine hitter has a home run on the season.

Three doubles on the season.

Can hit with some power.

Bottom of the lineup.

>> Called strike.

1-1 the count.

Scully groundout her first at bat.

Grace George, 14-2 on the season.

Earned run average, almost the same as Kaitlyn Merkel on the season.

.265 earned run average.

2-1 the count.

You see it from time to time.

You see it, I mean, you see it in the college world series.

A pitch that will slip away.

>> At the highest level of softball.

That can always happen.

>> There is the 2-1.

Scully a good eye.

Three balls and a strike now.

>> And Scully would love nothing more than to get it to the top of the order with only one out.

Broderick 0 for 2 today.

The rest of this tournament, she has came prepared.

>> 3-1.

Smacked to the right side of the field.

Base hit in front of Kami Wood, the right fielder.

Fields it nicely to keep Scully at a single.

And so a one out base knock for Scully.

Gets us to the top of the order.

And we'll have a courtesy runner coming in for Scully.

And it's going to be Priscilla Roemmich into the game for courtesy runner.

Coming to the plate, Ireland Broderick.

We were beginning to tell you about a story about her family.

They had quite the rough year.

A year ago, found out her dad Mike was diagnosed with liver cancer in January.

He passed away.

Now Mike was beloved in his community at Des Moines firefighter and you see iron Mike on the helmet there.

You see the deMOIN firefighters shield on some helmets as well.

And Mike, just an unselfish human.

20 years in the army.

His wife Emily, other daughters piper and Campbell both on this team.

Mike, just one of the beloved.

He was so unselfish.

You see Broderick putting down a sacrifice here to help her team, certainly thoughts and prayers go out to the Broderick family.

Just the year that they've had has certainly been tough.

And way bigger than softball.

>> One of the coolest moments in the semigame yesterday, they hit the home run over the center field wall.

She got to second base when she realized it was over the fence.

It was one of the biggest fist pumps to the sky that I've ever seen just smiling ear-to-ear as she rounded third base.

You know he's been here with her here at the state tournament.

>> There's a line drive into right field.

THCH should score a run.

All wait to the corner.

And heading to second, it is Kari Rose.

Rose with an RBI double.

The sacrifice turns into a run here in the fourth inning.

>> You talk about the selflessness of the sacrifice bunt for Broderick.

Getting a job done.

Scores a run for the team.

Kari Rose, phenomenal hit out to right field.

>> Rose now 2 for 2.

Already scored twice.

She walked back in the third and scored.

>> This is Heller.

Gets that one foul and out of play.

A double and a single for Heller.

>> And Valley now double digit hits.

Only in the fourth inning.

>> 11 hits in the quarterfinals.

Ten in the semifines.

10 already in this championship game.

Pop fly.

Shallow center.

And making the catch is Clemons for out number three.

So one run for West Des Moines Valley.

on a couple of hits and a sacrifice.

As West Des Moines Valley with a 6-3 lead.

Joining us now is the head coach of the Valley tigers, Tom Bakey.

Coach, what are you seeing from your offense here as you're at 10 hits.

>> I think more importantly, we're having good quality at bats.

We're put going swings on balls.

They made a couple of nice plays.

I'm not disappointed about anything offensively.

We're doing a great job of that.

They had a couple balls that have fallen in.

They hit a couple balls hard.

This is a long way from over.

I'm telling you that right now.

Of it's a long way from over.

>> What are you seeing on the defense and pitching?

What needs to change?

What you are doing well in the circle and defensively?

>> Well, most importantly, we have to work ahead.

When you get ahead and throw strikes, then good things happen.

As long as you work ahead, get ground balls, we'll be OKAY.

We just can't get behind.

They're an outstanding team.

They hit the ball well all year.

They're a very, very good team.

We just have to do a better job working ahead and make them hit our pitch instead of chasing and having to come in with a bigger -- a better strike later on in the at bat.

>> Coach, thank you for the insight.

>> You're welcome.

Appreciate it.

>> Tom Bakey, 1,011 career victories.

He is in year number 28.

All of them with West Des Moines Valley softball program.

Earned his 1,000th career win earlier this season.

One of the best.

>> Truly S and he's been around for so long.

He's seen this game evolve year after year.

The best thing, he volume ofs with it.

Some coaches just stick with their own style.

He's evolved with the game.

And he is making it now after 1,000 wins to the auto state change-up.

>> Ava Crowley the batter.

Much 9-1-2 comes to the plate for Pleasant Valley.

>> And tonight we're going to see a second 1,000-win coach as well with Jim in Carlisle coming up next.

>> Quite a few of them that make the trek to Ft.

Dodge with their teams.

>> Year after year after year.

>> 18th state tournament appearance for coach Tom Bakey.

>> And this right here, exactly what coach Tom Bakey is talking about.

He wants to see his pitcher work ahead in counts.

Right now, she is behind 3-1.

3-1 count, you have to throw the hitter's pitch.

And he wants to see her throwing more of her pitches.

Staying ahead in the count.

>> Here's the 3-1.

This is slapped to right center field.

Might be a gaper.

It is.

Off the wall!

And holding up at first base is Crowley.

>> Long single there for Crowley.

>> And smiling there at first, probably knows she should be at second base.

>> Hard read when you hit that ball that hard.

The fence out there, it depends how it hits the sign.

Some of the signs give it a ricochet.

Some of it, if you hit it at an angle, it's going to kill the ball.

>> It hit the catch deMOIN sign.

The sign did not catch it.

This is high.

Will it be fair?

Will it be fouled?

Tails foul.

Off the top of the fence.

And stays in play.

Clemons taking a rip at that one.

She usually likes to watch a lot of pitches.

But when she sees a good one, she's going to give it all she can.

>> I love her.

And you see a pitcher who just went he 3-1 on the hitter before you.

She is trying to get it over the plate.

You know you might see one really good pitch in your at bat.

If it's the first one, you swing.

>> Another good one down the right-field line getting chase and get ago way from the right fielder, Eastin.

Around second.

Heading for third.

Safely is Ava Crowley.

Into second is Clemons.

And two runners in scoring position here for Pleasant Valley.

>> And this game just keeps going back and forth.

That ball, that hop misses it.

Misses the glove of Anna Eastin out in right field to advance both runners.

Part of the run.

>> That is a base hit.

Mark it as a double.

For Clemons.

She's now 2 for 3.

And a quick visit from Scully out to Stevermer.

>> 17 hits between these two teams.

We knew it was going to be a high-scoring game.

Both teams can bring the power.

They are showcasing it now.

>> Ashley Hansen is now the batter.

1 for 2.

A single in the first.

A groundout in the third.

>> And Hansen, a hitter in the PV lineup.

Doesn't hit with a ton of power.

Of she's more of a slap hitter.

She's the speedster.

She's likely going to hit it on the ground or a low line drive.

>> Coach ray said she had an absolute breakout season.

Heeds the state in hits and says she has all of the slaps.

Do you want a power slap?

Do you want a positional directional SFLAP she's got it.

Drives a run in.

Heads to second.

And is safe at second.

The throw is in time.

The tag never made it to Ashley Hansen.

One run in and the rally continues.

>> You talk about how do you want your slap?

How about a hard one down the left-field line to RBI.

We're back within two runs.

Tieing run right now for Pleasant Valley.

It's at second base.

>> So Ashley Hansen at second.

Clemons stands at third.

Ava Crowley scored.

And Kasey Kane to the plate.

A single, scored a run in her last at bat.

And another visit here from coach Tom Bakey.

>> Let's go right back to work.

We just have to get an out.

If it is hard hit, look at it.

Let's for sure get an out.

Defense.

Come on.

One, two, three, defense.

>> We have no outs in the top of the fifth now.

It feels like, I'm going to say, feels like whatever team is up to bat is the team that is going to win this ball game.

>> The momentum shifts once we flip the score book and go to the other half of the inning.

>> Who's going to win?

The offense is going to win.

>> If we ask if Tom Bakey if eight runs would do it.

What would the answer be?

I have a feeling it's going to be more than eight that it's going to take to win.

What do you think?

>> I have to think so.

Something of note.

I called the highest scoring 5-A state tournament game, it was a 10-9 ball game.

Right now we're at ten runs combined.

But with how hot the bats are right now, it's something to keep in the back of your mind if you're one to think of records.

>> Valley a two-run lead.

A tieing run at second base.

And Kasey Kane looks at one low.

One ball, one strike the count from Stevermer.

The pitcher for West Des Moines Valley.

Kasey Kane said has become more of a leader this year.

High flyball to center field.

Broderick makes the catch.

The throw home.

Not going to try and get Clemons.

The speedster.

Pulls PV within one.

>> You'll see Kasey Kane just towering flyball.

Once again, played well by Broderick.

Really hasn't had the opportunity to get the out at home on either of the sacrifice flies that she's caught out there.

>> Kasey Kane, meanwhile, has two RBI sacrifice flies in this game.

As well as her single back in the fourth inning.

>> Mary Paige Withers, the batter.

It's a one up stairs from Stevermer.

Withers.

A double and scored a run.

She is 1 for 2.

>> Stevermer really carried the weight for this pitching staff.

They really pitch by committee.

Stevermer has carried the both of these innings.

Valley hasn't shown any signs yet of going to switch up pitchers.

They're riding on their offense.

>> Stevermer, 117 innings pitched.

Hannah Eastin has thrown 56 innings this season.

And that is fouled straight back.

Eastin stands in right field for the tigers.

Two balls, two strikes.

Stevermer battling back nicely on Withers.

This is fouled out of play.

Line drive over the fence.

Into the crowd.

Withers heading to Indian hills community college after this senior season of softball for Pleasant Valley.

Centerfielder.

Has some power.

Hits efficiently as well.

2-2.

Down in the dirt.

>> I like the pitch call there and the pitch selection by Stevermer.

Go offspeed.

The go low in the zone.

But now another full count for Pleasant Valley hitter.

>> Withers on the 2023 all tournament team last year when Pleasant Valley was in the state championship game.

>> That one is down in the dirt.

Ball four.

And another runner aboard.

>> That's not the end of the world.

I mean, I can really say, with Mary Paige Withers, 13 home runs coming into this game, a power hitter.

You have the base open.

That is not the end of the world to put her on base in that situation.

>> Sarah Rigdon.

Digs in here in the top of the fifth inning.

An opportunity for Pleasant Valley to take a mighty strike.

One low in the zone.

just one out here in this fifth inning.

Ashley Hansen.

One of the fastest athletes for Pleasant Valley on second base.

She was second in the 200 meter dash at the state track meet.

Also a runner up relay team at state track.

She's at second.

You have Withers at first.

And that one misses the zone.

Now two balls, no strikes.

>> And her teammates were very fast to tell us she had I think the second fastest time for the 200 in the state of Iowa this year.

Her teammates very, very proud -- >> There were many of them that felt like -- I think she's a state champion.

I'm pretty positive.

Here is a snap throw down to first.

Back safely is Withers.

>> All they know is she's really fast.

>> Yeah.

>> And that's all that matters.

How fast is she?

Really fast.

>> Here is Rigdon digging in.

45 runs batted in on the season.

Looking for another one.

Here is the 2-1.

Swing and a miss.

>> Great pitch by Stevermer.

That front shoulder a little bit.

Needs to keep the head down.

See if she can go opposite field on the outside pitch.

>> Stevermer trying to get out of this jam.

First two -- excuse me, first three batters reached safely for Pleasant Valley.

High flyball.

To left field.

Bat goes Mohler.

It will be bases loaded here.

Back safely at third is Hansen.

>> Hansen got caught up there at second base.

I think she can really couldn't tell out in left if Mohler was on it or not.

Mohler colliding with the farm bureau sign.

The pole right next to the farm bureau sign.

They're going to give her a minute there.

Had.

>> Then the tag attempt from Audrey Heller.

and we're going to check on MacKenzie Mohler in left field.

As after you saw that collision into the fence, you mentioned it, right where that pole was, out of that outfield fence.

>> That's a really tough play.

>> that's a tough play to make.

And off Rigdon's bat from our angle.

We couldn't tell if that ball was going over the fence.

It was hit so high.

It really, honestly, looked like it could have gone over in Mohler here.

You'll see her just tracking, tracking, tracking.

And by the time she gets her glove up, middle of her body goes right into that pole.

>> Looks like the right side of her face hits the fence, too, afterwards.

>> Certainly check them out.

They might be looking at her legs as well.

>> Attacking the fence in a couple different spots out there.

Looks like they may be taping up a knee.

>> Regardless, that is a tough play.

Very tough play.

We talked about the base running side, too.

You can tell, did she catch it?

Is she -- does she have it?

Did it go over the fence?

She got a bloody knee out there.

>> We see blood on the sock.

A little wrap on the knee now.

How about the wherewithal for Mohler to throw it in so quickly?

>> Yeah.

>> We just talked about one of the fastest kids in the state of Iowa.

And she was kind of half way between second and third.

And she got to third base and that's it.

>> And those situations, the pain takes the backseat.

>> Yeah.

>> If you're an athlete, you understand what I mean by that statement.

The pain takes the backseat.

You finish the play.

And then you assess it.

>> I remember when I was in college, I broke and dislocated my thumb all in one.

And I picked up the ball.

I threw it.

Then I realized that my bottom was going the wrong direction.

So you play through it.

And then you assess the situation.

>> And Mohler was a part of that play at the plate earlier in the game, too.

She was gunned down at the plate back in the first inning after an RBI double.

>> What a moment right here.

Bases loaded.

One out.

A one-run ball game.

>> And Addison Ohda to the plate.

An RBI sac fly in her last at bat.

This gets away.

Hansen tries to score.

She's in there safely!

We're all tied up.

>> I'm telling you, whoever is up to bat has the momentum.

Right now Pleasant Valley feels absolutely unstoppable.

>> Look at Hansen here.

She reads that so well.

That ball doesn't get too far away from Scully behind the plate.

And Hansen beats the toss.

she is sliding into home before the toss is even made.

>> Scores on a wild pitch.

To tie this game up.

>> Here's a high flyball.

This one is out of here!

No doubt about it!

A three-run shot for Addison Ohda!

Her fourth home run of the season comes in the title game!

>> That was an absolute shot!

I tell you what, those folks in the left field bleachers barely even reacted.

It went over that set of bleachers.

A moon shot.

And Pleasant Valley pulls away.

>> Last inning, this game was 5-1, Valley.

>> Two runs in the fourth.

Five here in the fifth.

>> And you just spoke into existence the highest scoring title game in class 5-A history.

This is now it.

The previous record, 13 runs in 2019 when West Des Moines Valley defeated their opponent 8-5.

The all-time record in a title game, 21 runs.

Put that in your back pocket.

That's a lot of runs.

>> We have a few records.

>> So a pitching change now for West Des Moines Valley.

As coming in is Jocelyn Muir.

A senior.

The pitcher this season.

5-0.

Has thrown 46 innings.

2.40 earned run average.

31 strikeouts.

11 walks.

Allowed 38 hits.

How about this?

The strikeout to walk ratio, 31-11 on the season.

She's a senior headed to the university of Iowa to study exercise science.

>> And something to note there, too, going to listen in here.

>> I want to see, did they make a change at right field as well?

I believe they did.

Because Anna Eastin was out in right field.

I think they brought Anna Eastin in to send her to the bullpen to start warming up.

That is Paige Christenson.

Excuse me.

Yeah, the flex.

That makes sense.

You have Anna Eastin in the bullpen warming up in case Valley does need her.

>> Pleasant Valley in the fifth inning.

Trying to keep it going.

This one floats foul just drifts foul.

On the check swing from Kaitlyn Merkel.

>> 20 hits now between the two teams.

Just in sane.

I mean, we talked about power versus power.

Little did we know that we were going to see a ton of it.

Broderick, it drops in front of her.

Simply misplayed by Broderick out in center field.

And that's a single for Merkel.

>> Merkel just hit that ball towering high.

And Broderick's defense off the bat that, appeared like it might go over.

But it was so high in the air.

It got hung up.

>> It went up so quick.

Broderick turned and ran.

And now coming back in to hit is MacKenzie Fah, the DP comes back in for grace George.

You see the home run ball right there being delivered to the parents.

An excellent tradition.

>> I'm not sure how this will work now pitching wise.

Will Merkel come back in to the circle?

Or will it be grace George?

>> I believe George can re-enter.

In high school ball, I believe everybody can have one re-entry.

This is a laser.

But well foul.

Down that third base side.

So Fah hitting here in the fifth.

That home run ball delivered by the brand new executive director of the Iowa high school athletic union Erin GERLIC.

A fun tradition they started here.

>> Just like the college world series.

You see the families get the home run ball.

>> This is straight up.

Foul territory.

GIFLG chase.

Making the play is Claire Long.

>> That say huge out for Valley.

Stop the bleeding a little bit.

>> Pleasant Valley next inning, maybe even this inning we're going see the top of the order again.

>> This is the tenth batter of this fifth inning.

Ava Crowley got the whole thing started with a single to right center.

And scored the first of six runs.

>> This is fouled third base side.

>> The media guys need to be careful over there.

Dodging balls left and right.

>> Excellent photographer for the athletic union.

Part of that crew.

Bravely working the third base scissors lift.

That's a dangerous spot right there.

>> Very dangerous spot.

Oh, yeah.

It might be the best view in the house.

But at what cost?

>> Yeah.

>> There is a reason safety nettings have been extended down the lines of major league baseball fields.

Three balls, one strike right now.

That is the count on Eva Ava Crowley.

Ava Crowley, the senior.

She is headed to Iowa.

She will study biology and a prePA track.

And looks at ball four.

So she's on for the second time here in the fifth inning.

And we go to the top of the order.

Two outs here.

In the fifth.

Is Pleasant Valley done or can Clemons give them a little more?

>> Clemons has had herself a heck of a game so far.

She is just looking to add to it right now.

Can PV break this thing open?

>> An inning ago, we were talking about Valley possibly breaking it open.

>> Let's wait until the bottom of the fifth.

You'll get your opportunity.

I'm guessing.

>> Right.

>> Seems like we're headed that way.

Clemons, meanwhile, head he had to Iowa state next year.

She's 2 for 3 with three runs scored.

Scored the first run of the ball game.

Earlier this inning a double to right and scored a run.

This will be her first time facing Muir Muir.

She is trying to pitchout of this fifth inning.

>> Here's a high flyball.

Kiss it good-bye!

Clemons has left the yard!

>> I have no words for this ball game.

This is crazy.

Clemons, I tell you what?

That ball not only left this field, that ball left the ballpark.

>> Barely within the camera angle way out of here.

Merkel scores from second.

Ava Crowley scores from first.

Clemons, the three-run jet.

She had a home run in the quarterfinals.

Give her nine home runs on the season.

>> What was that record you were talking about?

Highest scoring championship game ever?

What was it?

>> We had 21 runs.

>> All right.

>> That's a 1992 classic for you.

>> I'm going to put my money on it.

>> Pleasant Valley state runners up a season ago.

We were there for the loss to centennial.

>> And this season, their hitting has been just electric.

They lead the entire state in batting average.

Hitting .409 as a team.

They lead entire class in home runs.

Hit 57 coming into the state tournament.

They're number two in the state in runs batted in and runs scored behind only van meter who was here in the state tournament in the class 2-A field.

They lead all 5-A though in those categories as well.

And they are putting it on display in the state title game.

>> And it's one through nine right now, too.

That is the neatest thing.

This inning, how many hitters have we seen this inning?

Are we about 11?

It is 11 hitters or 12 hitters now?

>> This will be the 12th coming up.

>> Wow.

Just one through nine this inning has produced.

For this Pleasant Valley Spartan team.

They're looking for the parents and family of Clemons.

And Clemons quite a story, too.

She was on the 2023 state championship basketball team as well.

Part of the track & field replay place teams.

Hansen, 2 for 3.

That one is foul.

>> They say in sports, it's so true.

Winners find a way to win.

And she is a winner.

That's exactly what she is.

This Pleasant Valley team, about a half hour ago, it was kind of starting to feel like was this going to be a repeat of last year?

And coach Amanda ray went into the huddle and said this game is not over.

We need to change our body language.

We need to prepare ourselves.

This game is not over.

Since then, they scored 11 runs.

>> And up top, two balls in to strike.

You see the ball making its way up top.

Clemons family is pumped.

This is fouled up and over the netting.

Well, each year the Pleasant Valley team has a motto.

Last year it was purpose.

We talked about it throughout the time of the broadcast this year.

It's adjust.

And, man, have they adjusted?

Two times through the lineup.

They scored three runs.

This third time through the lineup, this is a nine-run fifth inning which ties the record for most runs in one inning in a championship game.

Ties -- >> How many records though?

We're going to talk about in this game.

That's crazy.

>> it matches north Scotts ace nine runs that they scored in one innings in 1987.

>> Every year the team motto has two letters in it.

U and S, us.

This year it's adjust.

They have done exactly that.

>> They pick a word or phrase.

It has to have the word us inside of the word or phrase.

And we lost our game ball underneath the tarp that was used yesterday.

>> They have done it for a few years.

You have to wonder if they're going to run out of slogans.

Adjust, a great one for this year.

>> Some that they have had in the past beside adjust and purpose.

They used because.

Virtuous, and they also used push through.

So ride it all out if you're having trouble finding the word us.

But us is in there.

Ninth pitch of the at bat coming up.

Another full count pitch to Ashley Hansen.

Trying to keep this fifth inning alive for the Spartans.

Fielded by Heller.

The throw over to one.

It is in time.

But nine runs for Pleasant Valley in a monster fifth inning to give the Spartans a six-run lead.

Let's relive some of this offense from inning number five for Pleasant Valley.

Seven hits in this inning.

Nine runs.

Three-run home run from Addison Ohda.

A three-run home run from Clemons.

♪ Take me out to the ball game Take me out to the crowd ♪ ♪ Buy me some peanuts and cracker Jack ♪ ♪ I don't if I ever get back For it's root, root, root for -- >> The Spartans.

For if they don't win it's a shame for it's one, two, three strikes you're out at the old ball game ♪♪♪ PRAF Tim Fitzpatrick hijacks our broadcast every year.

I don't know why I forget about it.

But the fifth inning stretch at the Iowa girls high school athletic union state change-up softball tournament.

>> Standing for the fifth inning stretch is a requirement.

Yesterday in the semifinal games, he noticed one of the crowd was in standing.

He called them out mid song.

So, you have to be ready to go.

We're actually going to have a quick pause here.

The Valley dugout door is open as they treat MacKenzie Mohler's knee.

She ran into the fence.

It's been a while since that happened.

>> That was a long fifth inning.

Pleasant Valley, nine runs on seven hits.

Two walks in that inning.

No errors.

Just some good smashing from the plate.

>> We predicted game one was going to be power.

We'll have to see if we're right for game two here in a little bit.

Could not have been more spot on about game one and it's been fun to watch.

>> We were at four, five, six in the lineup here for West Des Moines Valley.

Claire Long, MacKenzie Mohler getting attention in the dugout.

And Eastin was in that sixth spot.

We'll see if she hits and if Paige crust cyst will bat third in this fifth inning.

But long will be set to get it started:0 for 2.

You see there.

>> All right.

Fly out to right.

>> This game feels anything but over.

>> Right?

High flyball to right field.

And reaching catch made by Kami Wood.

A smile from the sophomore.

>> Kami Wood made that one a little harder than it had to be.

Stayed back a little bit too deep.

Able to make the play though.

She knows it.

>> All of a sudden, she's like that is dropping up here.

>> And so Mohler comes to the plate.

An RBI double in the first inning.

A sacrifice bunt in the third.

And at this state tournament, she has been the tigers number one power hitter.

A home run in the quarterfinal round over Cedar Rapids prairie.

And a three-run bomb in the semifinal victory.

>> Today though, the big play for her was the squeeze play.

>> Yeah, the SAC bunt and puts one in.

>> One ball, one strike the count.

Grace George back into pitch for the pleasant valley Spartans.

She came in at the end of the third inning.

>> So far, she's done a really, really good job.

She's just attacked these valley hitters.

I mean, she has nothing to lose here.

Just a sophomore.

19 appearances on the year.

Attack the plate.

>> Here's a high flyball.

Crushed up to the lights.

Off the light.

Up at the top of the light pole.

Kids give chase, too.

I heard you take a foul ball to the concession stand, you don't know if you get a treat or what it is.

I was walking towards the foul ball yesterday and I had -- I had no chance.

I had no chance of getting to it.

Change-up just misses outside.

Big change of speed there from George.

>> So three balls, two strikes.

One away here.

Mohler the batter.

Mohler, into right center down for a base hit.

It gets all the way to the fence.

Mohler will stay at first.

Nicely played by Withers out in center field.

>> Mohler bloody knee and all.

This game is not over.

>> Feels no pain.

>> No pain.

No pain, no gain.

>> Down six.

We need a base runner.

That's her thought process right there.

>> She's going to get a pinch runner here.

>> And so, into run number 23.

Into the game is Brynn Cibula.

>> So a pinch runner here in the fifth.

And coming to the plate is Anna Eastin.

Eastin, 2 for 2 with a single and a two-had run home run in her last at bat.

That came in the third inning.

And that is actually what prompted the pitching change.

Merkel was pulled.

Grace George entered.

So, this will be Eastin facing George for the first time.

>> Here's the 1-0.

Right down the chute.

1-1.

>> Grace George getting her glove up in front of her.

She knows that a little mistake went middle-middle on that pitch.

>> Here's the 1-1.

Shallow center field.

Coming in to make the catch is Withers.

>> There's two away in the bottom of the fifth inning.

>> This say big out right there.

Mohler and Eastin have been a dangerous combination.

2 for 2 on the ball game so far.

>> Heller, a single through the left side of the infield in the second inning.

And one just behind second base in the third.

She is caught stealing to end that third inning.

>> Comes up with a runner aboard in the fifth.

Two away.

>> A change-up down in the dirt.

>> For West Des Moines Valley here in the fifth inning, getting a runner on with six runs now.

Both teams are capable of putting together big innings.

But you kind of want to get a run or two if you can.

And now with two outs, right, the odds are not as good.

>> a six-run lead is a big number.

When you're thinking two, three, even four runs, you're saying, OKAY, this is within reach.

Not that six isn't by any means for either of these teams.

But you want to chip away so you don't have to get a lump sum at the end of the game.

>> Laser about two feet foul Heller, the sophomore third baseman.

One for two yesterday.

Also reached sievely with a walk.

One ball, two strikes the count now here in the fifth inning.

Sophomore versus sophomore in the 5A title game.

Two balls, two strikes with two outs.

>> Heller here, able to work this count back to even.

She's looking for something she can drive.

>> There it is.

>> This is driven into center field.

>> Heller now three for three on the ball game.

And they have been hitting just like that.

She's been able to drive it right back up the middle.

Just getting a good piece on the ball each at bat.

>> And just every time you can extend the inning -- And so re-entering is Alexa Stevermer to hit here in the fifth.

>> Stevermer hits over .300 on the season.

She has three home runs this year.

>> Ball!

>> Grace George attacking, getting ahead.

Stevermer, the groundout to Clemons at short in her last at bat.

>> And that one right at the knees as well.

George now painting the corner on the bottom of the strike zone.

Hitting has been a huge focus and strength for West Des Moines Valley this season.

It really focused on learning the zone.

Did she hold or did she go?

She held up.

Check swing.

>> Good check.

A good call.

Well played all around on that one.

>> Coach Tom Bakey says I want kids to attack what pitches they like to swing at.

Swing at those.

Leave the other ones.

He's just got some good length and depth in his lineup.

This one is towards the netting.

Gets into the netting.

Foul ball.

Excellent chase from Kasey Kane.

Fantastic Spartans catcher.

46 home runs for this Valley team.

Behind only Pleasant Valley's season totals.

88 doubles.

That does lead the 5A field and leads all classes with fewer strikeouts.

This is a pop fly.

Underneath it to make the catch is Clemons.

As Pleasant Valley comes up with a clean fifth inning defensively.

Leaving two stranded.

And that was a monster fifth inning.

Let's take a look at this game recap right here.

Right now.

The Spartans lead it 12-6.

West Des Moines Valley -- >> That third inning for Valley.

I mean, we didn't know where this ball was going to go.

As you see, the home run by Eastin there.

But from there, it was all Pleasant Valley.

Nine-run fifth inning.

That we'll get to here in a little bit.

It was just hit after hit after hit.

>> That one snuck away from the catcher, Ashley Hansen scored.

A rocket shot from Ohda.

A three-run Jack in the fifth.

Also in the fifth, Clemons.

She says, I can hit it further.

Come on, Addison.

Let's go!

Hitting contest.

So Pleasant Valley has a 12-6 lead.

12 hits for both teams.

In to pitch is Anna Eastin.

And, so, Eastin in 56 innings has 40 strikeouts, 24 walks, and an earned run average of 3.00.

Leading things off for Pleasant Valley is Kasey Kane.

>> Eastin started out in right field.

So very versatile athlete.

Able to do both.

>> Facie Kasey Kane.

She had a single in the fourth that would later score and an RBI sac fly to center field in the nine-run sixth inning -- excuse me, nine-run fifth inning.

>> In our conversation with coach Tom Bakey, he talked about the importance of players hitting ahead on hitters.

All three pitchers so far on the leadoff hitter have gotten behind.

That's huge.

when you're a team and you're able to see a lot of pitchers out of the pitcher's hand, it makes a difference.

Now you're in a hitter's count to Kasey Kane who is a power hitter.

>> Here is a high flyball.

This is deep to center.

Broderick is back.

Looks up -- it's gone.

>> Just right there.

3-1 count.

She is looking for her pitch.

She sees it.

She drives it.

It is 13-6.

We officially have 19 runs tying the 5A state tournament record.

>> This one was up into the stands.

Fans ducking for cover.

A couple brave souls trying to make the catch.

But Kasey Kane, the junior -- >> I played in a state tournament -- state change-up game.

2012, it was a low-scoring game.

This is way more fun to watch than the class of 2012.

>> This one is popped up giving chase is Scully.

It's a couple rows deep.

So three home runs now for Pleasant Valley.

West Des Moines Valley with a home run back in the third inning.

Mary Paige Withers.

One for two.

Much a strikeout, a double, and a walk.

Pleasant Valley putting the offense together.

You think bay year ago, unable to score a run.

Lost 11-0 in five innings.

And making another return trip to the state championship game.

Man, they seem calm and cool and relaxed and just in attack mode.

>> 13 runs on 13 hits.

>> I don't want to discredit Valley.

They have 12.

We have 25 hits between the two teams.

Nice pitch.

>> Change-up.

Floats in there.

Gets Withers on strikes.

For out number one.

>> Here's a hard hit ball down the left-field line.

It tails foul.

For Sarah Rigdon.

And Rigdon, she was the one that talked about just the close knit bond between this Pleasant Valley team and feel like they're best friends.

Always getting together, weekly, going out for ice cream.

>> Dying each other's hair.

>> A home run ball to the Kasey Kane family.

Dying each other's hair.

>> Rigdon with a little sparkle.

>> Rigdon, two for three.

A pair of singles.

And a laser grounder to the pitcher in the first inning.

An excellent change-up being shown here from Anna Eastin.

>> Eastin's offspeed, her change-up right now is something to watch.

>> What a snag by Heller.

And the throw-in time.

How about Audrey Heller?

Flashing the leather.

>> Audrey Heller and MARIN Heller both move so fast on that left side.

It is next to impossible to get a ground ball through that left side of Valley's defense.

>> That looked like a no doubt base hit offer the bat.

And now to the plate comes Addison Ohda.

Addison, 1 for 2.

She drew a walk and had an RBI sacrifice fly and then a three-run home run in the fifth inning.

Gets ahead in the count.

Two balls and no strikes.

>> Off the bag, we thought Ohda's hit was going to be the shot of the game.

But then Clemons did the same thing.

How about that?

>> She is locked in right now.

That one goes to the wall.

Headed to second.

A standup double.

How about two for three?

>> Addison Ohda here.

I mean, there is really nothing left to say about this Pleasant Valley offense right now.

They're picking out the pitches they want.

They're being selective.

They're driving through the ball.

And, man, is it fun to watch?

>> Kaitlyn Merkel, a towering pop fly her last at bat.

It was too tough for Broderick to judge.

Ended up getting a single.

It went so high, we thought it might get out.

Broderick thought the same.

Ran back to the fence eastern then landed a few feet in -- and then it landed a few feet in front of her.

She is one for three.

Groundout, fielder's choice and that base hit.

Here's a high flyball to center field.

Broderick keeps her eyes on it and makes the catch for out number three!

Pleasant Valley adds to their lead.

Kasey Kane the solo shot here in the top of the sixth.

West Des Moines Valley down seven.

We'll come up after.

This you can relive the championship excitement.

Share the moments with your family, friends, and neighbors.

Visit IowaPBS.ORG for archives of championship games any time of the year.

They call that on demand .

>> I'm shaking my head.

Sometimes there is nothing left to say.

We've seen 19 runs in this ball game.

None of them have been a fluke.

They have have all been hard-hit balls.

I mean, it's just one after another.

We've seen 26 hits.

We've only seen one error defensively.

We haven't talked about defense much at all in this game.

But both teams have been playing clean defense.

Like I said, none of the runs have been a fluke.

It's clean defense.

It's just really, really good hitting.

>> We talked about the wind blowing out at the start of the game.

Settling down a little bit.

Guess what?

Batters digging in the batter's box.

It's going to come up a little bit.

We have four home runs ready to crown our first Queens of indict -- the diamond.

They have an excellent photo OP.

You have sat in that pink chair yet?

>> No.

I haven't.

>> Before you leave, it's very comfortable.

>> We can get a photo-op.

>> Yeah.

It is mostly meant for Iowa girls.

But any fans of the Iowa girls are certainly welcome to see what it feels like to sit on the throne here at Ft.

Dodge.

>> Bottom of the sixth inning for West Des Moines Valley.

>> And Valley right now, nine, one, two.

This offense is capable of anything F you're Valley, you want to see three or four runs put up here.

Three or four runs.

Get the momentum going back in your direction.

See what can you make happen in the seventh.

>> That one is down low.

One ball, one strike to Emma Scully.

We talk about head coaches a lot how about the assistant coaches, this is Megan rushing.

Another assistant coach in the dugout, Jasmine Spann.

She played on Valley's 2019 state title team.

She was a senior first baseman.

Current players ask the former tigers about their experiences.

Jasmine was telling me, she's like, OKAY, what was your guy's BP theme?

For batting practice, come up with a theme at the state tournament.

And for Jasmine, the theme was ship, as in championship.

>> got it.

Makes sense.

>> So, we wanted to win the ship.

So we brought a canoe to batting practice.

Not sure where this canoe came from.

That's a story that -- >> You store the canoe on the bus?

>> I'm not sure how they got it there.

I didn't want to get all of the details.

I didn't know how much time we would have.

>> How large of a canoe was it?

>> It was enough to win a state title.

This year's theme, however, Jasmine says, PJs.

I said explain that one to me.

Pajamas.

She said don't sleep on the tigers.

I'm not sure -- >> Down seven runs.

I'm just saying, don't sleep on the Tigers.

>> Don't get those PJs out right now.

>> Two innings left for West Des Moines Valley to try to rally back.

Pleasant Valley, six outs away from a state change-up game.

These two teams have met twice during this season.

We talked about that.

Both teams victorious in one game.

This is the sixth time that West Des Moines Valley and Pleasant Valley have met at the state tournament.

Once in the championship game.

That was 2007.

West Des Moines Valley won.

The other time in the semifinals or quarterfinals.

Pleasant valley won the last three meetings between these two teams.

That was in 2016, '17, and 2018.

>> Also just goes to show how often these two teams are here.

They have truly become regulars here in Ft.

Dodge at the end of the season.

And I mean, we all know Pleasant Valley was in the state championship last year.

Valley, this is their 21st appearance in Ft.

Dodge, third consecutive trip.

They've both been here year after year after year.

>> Scully draws the walk.

Roemmich out to run at first base.

And top of the order, Broderick fouls the first pitch straight back.

>> Earlier in the game, Valley had the 5-1 lead.

Things were feeling comfortable for the Valley Tigers.

Right now, 13-6, feeling kind of comfortable for PV.

You can't get too comfortable.

This offense can score.

>> Roemmich showing the speed down at first base as well.

Broderick with an opportunity for her first base hit of the game.

A sacrifice bunt in her last at bat.

Here's a high flyball.

Deep left field.

Going back and settling underneath it is Addison Ohda.

And back to first those Roemmich.

So Broderick, 0 for 4.

One away here in the sixth inning.

And Kari Rose has been dynamite in this left-handed batter's box.

2 for 2.

She also drew a walk.

She has scored twice.

And driven in a run.

Snap throw back to first.

Gets away from the first baseman.

Rigdon heading down to second.

Roemmich is in there safely.

The throw a little bit down in the dirt.

handle.

>> I'll be honest, I don't really love that play in this situation.

You're up by seven runs right now.

Just folk us on the hitter.

You don't need to focus on the runner right now.

The extra throws are unnecessary at this point in the game.

>> No balls and a strike.

To Rose.

Rose has been so good this entire state tournament.

She was 5 for 7 in the two games here at the state tournament combined.

RBIs, doubles, sacrifice bunts.

How about a base hit straight up into center field?

Withers fires a bullet home and holding at third is Roemmich.

But a bullet of a single up the middle for rose.

>> Kari Rose, one of the hottest bats in the state tournament right now.

Just shows exactly that.

Takes that middle pitch right back up the middle.

Runners on the corners here for Heller.

Opportunity to start chipping away.

>> Heller, 2 for 3.

RBI and double and then a single.

Everything has been up the middle for Heller.

That's up the middle.

Into center field.

It scores a run for Valley.

Staying at second is Rose.

And West Des Moines Valley.

I don't mind telling you, don't sleep on the cap tigers.

>> P.J.s, don't sleep on them.

And right now, 20 runs.

This is officially the highest scoring 5A tournament game.

>> And just off of the all-time record for a championship game of any kind at 21 runs.

That is now just one run away from 1992.

That game was 18-3.

>> What year was that?

'92?

>> 1992.

>> They would have been 4A then or all one class.

>> All one class back then H. >> Two power houses though.

>> I saw a softball fan still down there.

Claire Long the batter.

>> They made a ton of appearances up here to Ft.

Dodge.

>> Nice shot by George to paint the corner.

1-1 the count.

Long, meanwhile, 0 for 3 in this championship game.

The senior will play softball at Rockers, four-year starter for the Tigers.

She's one of the most humble kids.

Works so hard in the weight room.

He said she's the type of kid I can go up quietly, tell what to do.

And she will go do it.

>> Talk about a kid right now that is due for a hit.

>> Yeah.

>> Truly.

I mean, just great kid.

Actually, when she was younger, I did hitting lessons with her.

Beautiful swing the great kid.

How about that?

>> Coach them up!

>> Claire Long!

The Valley Tigers senior!

Right over the center field wall.

The signee Claire Long gets her team right back in this game.

>> A three-run bomb.

And all of a sudden, it's 13-10.

Take that record for highest scoring championship game in Iowa girls history.

>> Let's take another look at this.

>> A monster shot for Claire Long.

>> Scores Rose and Heller.

>> Sometimes I guess you talk it into existence.

Talk about a kid who is due for a hit.

Monster home run.

>> This one's got a good charge behind it.

Underneath it is Wood.

For out number two.

So MacKenzie Mohler pops out.

Just second time she's been retired.

She's 2 for 4.

And Anna Eastin, now the pitcher of record for Valley.

She comes to the plate 2 for 3.

A single, a two-run home run, and a popout to center field.

>> Eastin with two outs.

The senior is headed to the university of Oregon to be a student.

>> That's the big 10 university of Oregon.

>> That is the big 10.

That is the big 10.

Not playing softball or any sports.

Anna Eastin is going to go to Oregon.

And if I remember correctly, I think it is biology.

One of the sciences is her plans for studies.

Files that one away.

That's the big 10.

>> Doing an excellent job.

Now this is getting into her second time seeing the order.

And the tigers putting some good hits on her.

Going to get the third out right there.

The fly-out to Ohda in left.

But VAL puts four up on the board.

Claire Long, a three-run home run to bring the Valley crowd to their feet.

The executive director in the Iowa girl's high school athletic union.

Hannah, home run balls and she's been busy in this 5A game.

>> 29 hits, 23 runs, and we're heading into the seventh inning.

I mean, this might be it.

The seventh.

That's your regulation game.

>> That's your regulation.

>> But who knows?

>> I'm not going to say anything other than that.

Pleasant Valley -- and we do still need to play another game here tonight.

>> The 4A championship game is coming up after this one.

We'll have Carlisle and ADM, two central Iowa schools that the battle for a state title.

And Pleasant Valley coming to the plate.

They were state runners up a season ago.

And I have girlfriend a shoutout.

The white uniforms for Pleasant Valley -- >> They are -- they were sparkling at the beginning of the game.

>> They were shining.

>> I was impressed.

That is the first thing I noticed, how white the jerseys are.

>> A former Pleasant Valley Spartan, playing college ball, she ran into me before the game.

She was on last year's all tournament team.

>> OKAY.

>> She's, like, you got to check out the uniforms.

The I did the team's laundry last night.

I washed all the uniforms.

Said the team was appreciative.

She was very proud of the uniforms.

Former Spartan giving back.

>> What a way to give back to your team.

>> And I don't know what she washed them in.

But it has been good for 13 runs, 14 hits, and a lead going into the seven BLG inning here in this 5A championship game in 2024.

>> Starting off with grace George.

ZBLR strike one.

2-1 the count.

>> This spot of the batting order we have seen MacKenzie Fah twice.

We have seen grace George twice in this eight spot for Pleasant Valley.

>> MacKenzie Fah is allowed one re-entry.

So Fah's night is officially over.

>> George struck out in the fourth inning.

Here is the 3-1.

Grounder.

Left side.

The scoop and throw by Heller is in time.

One away.

>> We're starting to feel some Put up a big four-run inning.

Come out, get the first out.

Things seem to have settled in since Anna Eastin has taken the circle for the Tigers.

>> Ava Crowley hitting in that nine spot.

She finds a way to get on base.

She scored two runs for Pleasant Valley tonight.

Popped out to third.

A single off the right field fence.

And then drew a walk.

Scored in the -- well, scored both runs in the fifth inning.

She let off that nine Huff run, seven-hit inning.

.

>> Here's the 2-0.

Fouled straight back.

Anna Eastin is given a nice mix of pace and look from these tigers pitchers.

The third West Des Moines Valley pitcher in this game.

Here's a high pop fly.

Left side.

Heller goes out, makes the catch in fair territory.

A tough catch along the line.

And there's two away.

We go to the top of the order here in the seventh.

Jesse Clemons is coming up.

Last time she stepped into the batter's box, a three-run bomb.

>> And Clemons right now, she is a triple away from a cycle.

Has the single.

Has the double.

Has the home run.

Triple is always the hardest one to get.

>> We have talked a lot of things into existence this evening.

I like what you're thinking.

>> I'm just sayin'.

>> There are 23 runs up on the board.

That is more runs than any state championship game ever.

This might not be a triple.

It might be another roundtripper.

>> Another cycle!

>> I would take that over a triple any day.

>> Take your extra base, Jesse Clemons.

Two home runs in the championship game.

Clemons will be at Iowa state next season.

And she adds an insurance run for the Spartans.

As they look to lock up a 5A title.

Four for five.

That is the stat line.

>> And almost a grab in the left field bleachers.

I'll take that stat line any day.

Of two home runs in a state championship game?

>> And a double and a single.

>> I mean, why not?

>> Incredible.

>> Four for five, he is total bases.

Not bad.

>> She was on last year AS all tournament team.

Will certainly be on this year's all tournament team.

Just a positive kid, too.

Her teammate Sarah Rigdon said, I have never met a better leader than Jesse Clemons.

She says, you talk about Jesse Clemons, Mary Paige Withers, those two are the best leaders I investor been -- I have ever been on at any team.

>> That one got you.

>> It was coming right at me.

>> Made you jump.

>> Seventh inning.

>> Clemons, they said best vocal leader.

Best lead by example.

Truly just a phenomenal athlete and all around person.

>> One ball.

Two strikes to Hansen.

>> Nice catch.

>> Right at Audrey Heller.

The laser catch.

But an insurance run for Pleasant Valley.

We head to the bottom of the seventh.

A four-run lead for the Spartans.

And the Tigers will head to the final frame, an opportunity to extend this change-up game.

>> Big deep breath in the Pleasant Valley huddle there.

>> And look at coach ray.

Letting Clemons talk through this, get everybody on the same page.

Erin just has no opportunity to rest at all.

>> I think she got the most steps in today out of anyone here.

Pleasant Valley and Valley both just wanted to make sure she got her 10,000 steps in today.

>> I wonder if she's going to start charging families for the softballs.

I mean, she's giving away so many.

>> The Clemons crew is going to have to start saving up.

Clemons poked two of them over the fence.

A home run in the quarterfinal round game as well.

Now, for West Des Moines Valley, seven, eight, and nine.

And they've had some success getting on base in the hitter PT Scully reached twice.

Heller, who steps into N. To lead things off in the seventh, she is three for three.

>> Audrey Heller with a sophomore.

First pitch, outside.

>> Grace George the sophomore in the circle.

She came in in the third inning.

After a two-run home run from Anna Eastin.

Heller, two of her three hits have been off of grace George.

1-1.

This one is spared.

Just over the top of the base.

Kicking up chalk on both sides of the base and a leadoff single for Audrey Heller.

>> Four for four on the day.

Audrey Heller is seeing the ball so well.

This bottom part of the line yum for Valley, just as dangerous as the top part.

>> And so Alexa Stevermer -- steps in to the right handed batter's box.

Looks at a first pitch strike.

Stevermer, a sacrifice, a groundout and a popout.

Valley needs to string a bunch of hits together.

Down four.

Change-up just off the plate from George.

>> Stevermer twice has gone to the shortstop.

Does have the sacrifice bunt, as you said.

But now is not the time for a sacrifice bunt.

>> No.

Every out is precious down four in the seventh.

>> Head coach for Pleasant Valley, Amanda ray.

This is her first year as head coach.

She was an aant assistant for years prior.

One thing she said, expectations are the same.

We will continue to strive for excellence.

She replaced Jose Laura, 200 wins at Pleasant Valley.

Of course, you talk about Pleasant Valley, you think about Rory Duncan setting up the program.

Coach ray has taken it over.

She played college softball in the quad cities.

And there is a walk to put two runners aboard here in the seventh inning.

>> This game, I have a feeling, is far from over.

>> Kasey Kane out to have a word with grace George.

>> And the most dangerous part of this Valley order coming up next.

Scully has been on twice.

Broderick, this TURN am has had a really, really good tournament.

Waiting for that hit today.

>> First pitch.

Outside.

Scully, one for two.

Also reached with a walk.

Scored two runs.

The first two batters aboard for Valley.

There's a strike.

On the outside edge.

Scully said it at Indian hills to play softball next season.

The senior DP.

Two RBIs in the quarterfinal round game.

Here's the 1-1.

Just below the knees.

2-1.

>> Grace George right now needs to step off, take a deep breath.

She's doing exactly.

That dial it back in.

Clemons right now having a conversation.

Her defense will work for her.

The Valley fans on their feet.

>> This is ripped right past coach Tom Bakey.

>> The Pleasant Valley crowd has made the Carlisle student section their own.

Good way to make extra noise.

>> The 4A crowd starting to sneak into the stands before this 5A game is wrapped up.

>> Pleasant Valley, slice disadvantage when it comes to location on this one.

>> About 3 1/2 hours away from the quad cities.

We're an hour and a half from Des Moines from Ft.

Dodge?

Here's the 2-2.

That one is low.

The count runs full once again.

The single by Audrey Heller.

A walk drawn by Alexa Stevermer.

And Scully now works the count full.

>> Both Kasey Kane and Jesse Clemons talking to grace George saying, hey, let's just get a strike right here.

Let our defense work.

>> There is a big payoff pitch.

That's way upstairs.

Two walks now in the seventh and we head to the top of the order.

And now the tieing run will be at the plate.

And coach ray will head to the center circle.

>> You're fine.

Trust your defense.

They'll have your back.

It's OKAY.

You have to own it up here.

Own it.

Own it.

>> You've gone through the lineup.

Can you do it again.

>> Trust yourself.

Trust your defense.

They have your back.

You guys are going four unless your body is going a different way.

Take the out whatever way your body is taking you.

>> You are OKAY.

I promise you.

>> All right.

>> And coach Amanda ray and the rest of the players are saying you got all the hitters out before.

Let's do it again.

And coach saying, hey, if your momentum is bringing you home, get out at home.

Just get the out.

Outs athe this point are more important than that runner at third base.

>> You heard Kasey Kane, the junior, coach said we needed Kasey Kane to be more vocal.

And she has been more vocal.

You see there.

She is one that is certainly chiming in.

Top of the order.

Ireland Broderick to the plate.

>> First pitch strike.

As George gets ahead in the count.

>> Here's a pop fly.

Left field.

Ohda is underneath it.

She makes the catch.

Fires it to third.

Scoring from third is Audrey Heller.

Smart play defensively to allow the run and try to keep only one runner in scoring position.

>> Very good play all around there.

Keep your runners at first and second.

It's highly unlikely you're going to get the out at home when you're that deep in left field.

So Ohda, fantastic job.

Gets that ball into third base.

Now you're working with one out of a three-run lead.

>> Kari Rose steps in.

Rose is 3 for 3 and has a walk.

She has scored three runs.

Snap throw back to second base.

That is Stevermer at second.

Roemmich is back in to run for Scully once again.

She's at first base.

And Rose, all she has done much, line drives up the middle all game long.

>> Line drives up the middle.

Talk about two long balls, you have Heller, what has she done the entire game?

Line drives up the middle.

>> Here's a pop fly left field.

Ohda looks like she's under it.

Makes the catch.

And throws it in.

No runners able to advance.

To now two popouts.

After that visit from head coach Manda ray and Pleasant Valley one out away from being state champs.

West Des Moines Valley still has the tying run at the plate.

>> And one of the best hitters in the state of Iowa.

>> Heller, 3 for 4 in this championship game.

She's a junior.

Verbally committed to play softball at Florida state for the Seminoles.

Leads all 5A in RBIs.

12 home runs on the season.

>> You want to be careful.

You really want to be careful.

You can't be too careful.

You put Heller on, who's on deck?

Claire Long who hit an absolute shot to center field in her last at bat.

>> Here's a flyball.

This is deep to center field.

And it is caught!

Pleasant Valley wins it!

They hold on and are the 20245A champions!

>> Wow.

Off the bat.

That center field crowd gave the impression that ball might make it over.

But Mary Paige Withers in center field makes the grab and Pleasant Valley, a huge revenge game after last season's championship.

>> Lost 11-0 to centennial a season ago.

Redemption is sweet.

And for this year's team, adjust was their motto.

Their calling card all season.

They adjusted.

They were down 5-1.

And they brought home the Spartans third tight until program history after winning in 2017 and 2018.

>> Adjust is the perfect motto H you're down 5-1 in a state championship.

You don't say that.

You put up a 9-run fifth inning.

It just becomes hit after hit after hit.

Hats off to the Pleasant Valley Spartans in this championship game.

>> Good job.

Good game.

>> I'm so proud.

>> Pleasant Valley head coach Amanda ray giving a hug to every single one of her kids.

Her first year as head coach.

How about that for a way to wrap things up?

And by the way, coach ray's getting married August 2nd as well.

She's going to have one heck of a summer to talk about.

2024, one to remember.

>> Absolutely.

These Spartans, almost every sport this group right now so talented.

>> Send it to Tim Fitzpatrick announcing the all tournament team.

>> From Valley, Kari Rose.

Aubrey bender.

Abby rusher.

From urbanDale, Kyra cane.

>> From Pleasant Valley, Ashley Hansen.

From Valley, Alexa Stevermer.

Also from Valley, MARIN Heller.

From Pleasant Valley, Mary Paige Withers.

From Valley, MacKenzie Mohler.

And your 2024 class 5A all tournament team captain, from Pleasant Valley, Jessie Clemons.

>> Two home runs for Jessie Clemons, a double and a single.

Captain of your 2024 ALT earn team for class 5A.

And what a week it has been for Clemons and these Spartans.

>> She's such a leader.

I mean, on the field, vocally, in that last inning.

Just talking to grace George saying, hey, we got this.

We got this.

Four runs.

Almost didn't feel like enough.

But this Pleasant Valley team, a huge come back this year.

They led the state statistically in almost every offensive category.

They showed it tonight.

Very fun game to watch.

>> And now for the trophy presentation, in addition to receiving medallions, every participating player will receive commemorative softball provided by the title sponsor from the girl's athletic union.

The members of the IGSHSEU bored of directors.

GLOIGS to the runners up in class 5A, Tom Bakey and Valley Tigers.

Congratulations on an outstanding 2024 softball season.

Their ticket was punched to get here and now they redeem their tickets as its class 5A state softball champions, head coach Amanda ray and the Spartans from Pleasant Valley!

Complete your bracket.

>> Greet your team by the pink and black tent between the channel seeds and Iowa central fields.

Pleasant Valley fans are welcome to greet your team in the baseball diamond behind us.

>> Jessie Clemons puts the sticker on the bracket to complete the 2024 5A field.

How about this one in this championship game?

14-11, Pleasant Valley tops West Des Moines Valley.

15 hits for PV.

16 for West Des Moines Valley.

And this was exactly what you thought it would be, a slugfest.

>> A absolute slugfest.

One of the most fun games I've watched in a very, very long time.

Congratulations to both these teams.

An outstanding season for both Valley and Pleasant Valley.

>> Pleasant Valley gets the win.

Four home runs for her, two from the captain Jessie Clemons.

We're not done yet.

The 4A championship game is coming up next.

Carlisle will be on the books and they will be battling ADM. >> Funding provided by --