Kylie Klipping Leads Red Lake Falls Back to State Tournament with Ambition

RED LAKE FALLS, Minn. — Senior pitcher Kylie Klipping had to sit out the 2025 season as a spectator while her rival team, Badger/Greenbush-Middle River, advanced to the Minnesota Class A championship. In 2024, Klipping and her team made their mark by reaching the state tournament with a younger roster, but their journey ended prematurely in the section playoffs last year. This season, with many returning players eager to make their own impact, the Eagles are determined to push deeper into the tournament.

Last week, Red Lake Falls secured their spot in the state tournament by defeating the Gators in the Section 8A championship. "We definitely want revenge," Klipping expressed. "We want to get out there and play our hardest, and hopefully make it to that championship at the end." The Eagles, seeded second, are set to face seventh-seeded New York Mills in the Class A quarterfinals on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in Mankato, Minn.

Head coach Ben Hanson acknowledged the hard work of his players, noting, "They worked really hard, so to be able to get back there is really rewarding. It's been the goal of this group of seniors, and our sophomore class behind them was really pushing." Klipping stands out as the team's ace, boasting a remarkable 17-1 record this season with an impressive 0.792 ERA and 200 strikeouts. Klipping's relationship with her catcher, sophomore Layna Schindler, enhances their gameplay. "Sometimes it’ll just curve on its own or it’ll go inside, and (Schindler) just works really well to get to the ball," Klipping explained. Together, they maintain a strong rapport that contributes to their success on the field.

In addition to their strong defense, Red Lake Falls also boasts a powerful offense, with several players, including Klipping and Schindler, batting over .300 this season. "Our offensive lineup is pretty solid," Klipping commented. The Eagles previously faced New York Mills earlier this season, winning 2-0, giving them a glimpse of their upcoming challenge. Klipping recalls the heartache of a previous state quarterfinal loss but is focused on the present. "We definitely know the end goal is to bring home the state title," she stated. "But we just try to play one game at a time."