State Champs

HASTINGS — The Laurel 14-andunder girls softball team had to do it the hard way, but they worked their way through the loser’s bracket to claim the Class D State title here Sunday.

The team, coached by Brian Gould and Ali Kvols, ends one of the most successful campaigns in town history with a 21-8 season record.

Laurel got off to a good start, bouncing Cozad 13-0 in their first game of the tournament on Saturday morning.

The Laurel offense again cranked things up in their next game to defeat Creighton 12-11.

The local team suffered its first loss of the tourney when they took on undefeated Battle Creek Sunday morning, losing in a close 3-2 contest.

Laurel staved off elimination with a 12-6 win over McCook in their next contest.

The squad earned a rematch with Battle Creek in their next contest, turning the tables on the Bravettes with a 10-4 win.

Since Battle Creek had been undefeated, Laurel had to play them one more time for the state title. The local girls proved up to the challenge, winning 10-5.

The last time a Laurel softball team won the state championship was in 2006. The girls also won the state title in 2005.