Appleton North Dominates Stevens Point in State Softball Quarterfinal

MADISON – The Appleton North softball team has made a significant mark in the WIAA state tournament. The sixth-seeded Lightning overcame a challenging start to secure a 10-3 win against third-seeded Stevens Point during a Division 1 state quarterfinal held at Goodman Diamond on June 10. With this victory, North (20-7) is set to face Muskego (27-2) in the state semifinals on June 11 at roughly 7 p.m., following Muskego's 14-8 triumph over Marshfield.

Despite an unsteady beginning where they allowed a run in each of the first two innings and committed two errors, Appleton North regrouped after a four-hour weather delay before the game commenced. This delay may have affected the young team, which features only one senior, as they initially appeared nervous. Head coach Chris Nissen emphasized the importance of mental preparation, stating, "It's something we work on a lot. We work on a lot of mental imagery, talking about not allowing the moment to get too big for yourself." He noted that the girls were visibly anxious at the start, and the delay didn't help the situation.

As the game progressed, the Lightning found their rhythm at the plate, racking up 12 hits. They scored four runs in the third inning, added another in the fourth, and continued their offensive surge with two runs in the fifth and three in the sixth, overpowering the Panthers. Key contributors included Alyssa Wald, who went 2-for-3, Drew Brown with two hits and three RBIs, and Charlotte Radtke, Evelyn Frega, and Keira Hughes, each adding two hits. Hughes also contributed two RBIs to the team's effort.

Defensively, Appleton North showcased their skills, highlighted by center fielder Valarie Baranczyk's crucial catch near the fence that prevented a potential scoring chance for Stevens Point, who ended their season with a record of 25-5. Radtke delivered a strong performance in the pitching circle, striking out six batters while allowing seven hits and two earned runs in a complete-game effort.

This victory marks a notable achievement for Appleton North as they look to continue their journey in the state tournament.