Well, when postseason play got started, the Rockets made no bones about it: they were one of the best teams in the state. The have the chance to prove that they are the BEST team in the state in Class 2A, as they will play for a championship on Friday.

It was relentless pressure put on by the EBF offense against a great pitcher for #2 Interstate 35. Carlyn Stanley entered as a prized recruit for Indian Hills Community College and has been dominant all year. But EBF would only be retired in order in the fourth inning, and would at least put two on base in four innings.

Unfortunately, it was nearly impossible to score a run, as Stanley and her defense would continuously get out of jams. Stanley would strike out 12 Rocket batters in the game, but would also walk six.

The big hit finally came when Randie Richmond launched a two-run bomb over the left field wall to give the Rockets a 2-0 lead. Richmond was also dominant in the circle, allowing just one hit in the first six innings and two hits in the 7th.

It was precarious, but the Rockets were able to ride their junior right-hander to the win. Richmond would finish with a complete game three-hitter with no walks and four strikeouts, throwing only 71 pitches in the game. That’s compared to the 147 that Stanley had to throw for I-35.

EBF advances to their second state championship game in school history in softball, with the other coming in 2014. They will face #5 Iowa City Regina, who is making their third straight trip to the state title game in Class 2A, winning the championship in 2015.

The first pitch is scheduled for 4:53 PM on Buena Vista University Diamond at Rogers Sports Complex. You can hear the action starting around 4:35 on 104.9 FM KBOE, kboeradio.com, and the KBOE mobile app.