The Algona Bulldog softball team is on its way back to the regional final for the second year in a row after defeating Spirit Lake 4-2 in the class 3A – region 6 semifinal round on Saturday night.
After a slow start offensively for both teams, Algona got the bats going in the 5th inning with the game tied 1-1. After a single by Maya Lentz with one out, and Spirit Lake failing to record an out on a fielders choice with the next batter Bella Jo Dunning, Reagan Haynes doubled off the top of the left field wall to put Algona in front 2-1. A run scoring hit by Jillian Burns and a sacrifice fly from Emma Spear brought the score to 4-1.
Spirit Lake got a run back in the top of the sixth, with Tegan Lange delivering an RBI groundout to make the score 4-2, but Allison Trunkhill set the Indians down in order in the seventh inning, striking out Addison Munson to end the game.
Algona took a 1-0 lead to start the game, as Lentz began the night with a leadoff double to right center field, and eventually came around to score when a Burns line drive was mishandled by Spirit Lake later in the inning.
The Indians tied the game in the top of the second inning, loading the bases with one out, as Munson’s RBI groundout after that brought home Lange. The Indians still had a chance to score with runners at second and third base with two outs, but Algona catcher Reagan Haynes picked off Logan Christensen at third base to end the inning.
Trunkhill struck out seven batters and walked one while allowing three hits over seven innings pitched to pick up the win. Avery Beisell went six innings for Spirit Lake, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks, not recording a strikeout.
#15 Algona (23-6) will hit the road to take on the #5 PCM Mustangs (25-4), who shut out Humboldt 10-0 in four innings in their regional semifinal matchup. First pitch will be at seven o’clock on Tuesday.
