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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.
