Class A No. 1 Gretna is 97-2 over its last three regular seasons, but the Dragons' last and lone state title came back in 2015 and in Class B.
Can Gretna finally lift the Class A crown?
Papillion-La Vista and Lincoln Southwest will have something to say about that, as the two teams have combined to win six of the last seven titles. Papillion-La Vista has a whopping 17 championships.
Lincoln Southwest’s run this year has been historic with a school-record 23 consecutive wins. It will try to add a fifth state title and its first since 2021.
All of that said: Be sure to not overlook the rest of the field.
Bellevue East is back in the tournament for the second time in school history and the first time since 2020. Norfolk makes its third appearance in four years. Elkhorn South makes its first appearance since 2022 and Millard West looks for its first title in 20 years.
Gretna (34-0): Led by the senior arm of Alexis Jensen and her 17-0 record and 0.35 ERA, the Dragons are poised to make a deep postseason run. When Carlie Muhlbach is not catching pitches behind the plate, she leads the Gretna offense with 17 home runs, 50 RBIs and a .500 batting average.
Norfolk (26-13): The Panthers started the year off on fire after dropping a doubleheader in the season opener to Lincoln Southwest. Norfolk went on to win 20 of its next 22 games, including 16 consecutive victories. Norfolk’s offense is a threat with four players with 30 or more RBIs, led by Kylie Baumgard (eight home runs, 38 RBIs).
Papillion-La Vista (25-9): The Monarchs are the most decorated team in state history with their 32 state appearances and 17 state championships. The Class A defending state champions get contributions all over the lineup. Maizey Carpenter leads the team with 30 RBIs to complement Carly Bertolini’s 13-4 record and 2.74 ERA.
Millard West (23-9): The Wildcats are led by Caitlyn Semples’s arm and bat as they return to the tournament for the first time since 2019. The senior is 9-3 with a 2.65 ERA while leading the Wildcats with 41 RBIs. Addison Burdorf adds a 2.14 ERA and 14-6 record. Millard West has won nine games in a row and 12 of its last 13.
Millard North (28-6): The Mustangs made it all the way to the title game last season in Omaha. They bring back a veteran core that has power at the plate and arms in the circle. Three players have hit 10 or more home runs for the Mustangs, led by Hayden Nelson’s 13, while Jayda Juarez has an 11-2 record and 2.70 ERA.
Elkhorn South (23-11): The Storm bring their Navy blue and Vegas gold uniforms back to Hastings for the first time since 2022. Lauren Schneider adds another arm, going 12-10, and has recorded 46 RBIs and seven home runs.
Bellevue East (23-8): The Chieftains may be inexperienced in the state tournament but are making noise. Led by junior Alisha McMurtry, Bellevue East makes its second state tournament appearance. McMurtry sports a 1.27 ERA and 18-5 record and joins her older sisters Bre and Liana, who helped Bellevue East make its first trip to the state tournament. The Chieftains’ 23 wins in a season are a school record.
Lincoln Southwest (34-3): A three-deep pitching staff, including two freshmen, has helped the Silver Hawks. Central Florida commit Reagan Vokoun is 16-1 with a 1.36 ERA and is complimented by freshmen Raegan Brandt (8-0, 0.72 ERA) and Maisey McCarty (8-2, 1.69 ERA). The Silver Hawks can also hit the ball. Emma Dostal and Hadley Madson have combined for 108 RBIs and 22 home runs.
Tim's pick
Lincoln Southwest.
Ratings
School (rec.) | pvs.
1. Gretna (34-0) | 1
2. Lincoln Southwest (34-3) | 2
3. Millard North (28-6) | 3
4. Papillion-La Vista (25-9) | 4
5. Elkhorn South (23-11) | 5
6. Millard West (23-9) | 6
7. Bellevue East (23-8) | 7
8. Norfolk (26-13) | 8
9. Papillion-La Vista South (19-14) | 10
10. Lincoln North Star (18-16) | NR
Photos: Lincoln Southwest softball plays for district championship — Oct. 10