North Mankato – Defending state champion New York Mills pulled away from Randolph with two runs in the sixth inning for a 5-3 victory in the Class 1A semifinals.

Rhiana Roberts struck out seven in seven innings for the top-seeded Eagles (26-1). Tiffany Thompson hit two solo home runs for New York Mills. Megan Erickson led Randolph (23-2) with two hits and an RBI.

Earlier Thursday, New York Mills needed a four-run rally in the bottom of the seventh to pull out a 6-5 quarterfinal victory over Hayfield (14-8).

Edgerton/Southwest Minnesota Christian 5, New Ulm Cathedral 1: Five unanswered runs, including three in the fifth inning to break a 1-1 tie, powered the Flying Dutchmen (20-3) past the Greyhounds (20-3). Gabby Buckridge led the second-seeded Flying Dutchmen with four hits. Sierra Van Dyke struck six in seven innings while allowing three hits.

STAFF REPORTS