By: Nathan Bloechl — [email protected]
Humboldt, Iowa — For the first time in school history, the Humboldt Wildcat softball team is on the precipice of history.
They can become the first team in softball program history to return to the state tournament in back-to-back seasons. Last year’s bunch defeated Southeast Valley to earn their ticket to state, this year Humboldt will have to navigate through a NCC foe, in Algona.
A victory tonight would mark the sixth time a Humboldt softball team would trek to Fort Dodge for the state tournament.
The trip last year ended a eleven year hiatus.
Humboldt has seen Algona twice this year and swept the season series, most recently notching a 5-0 win on June 27th.
Algona, 21-6, won a 15-11 slobber-knocker last Friday over Clear Lake to advance to the region final.
It remains to be seen if Algona will throw senior Brooke Fonley or sophomore Kam Etherington this evening. Fonley has the experience but Etherington has probably pitched a better season.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, the Wildcats will ride their elite Ellie Jacobson again tonight. Jacobson has been dynamite this postseason, pitching 12 innings, allowing just three hits and two runs, while striking out 18. Her postseason era sits at 1.20.
Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. at Humboldt High School.