Three 1A story lines
1. Eagles back for another run
Defending state champion New Life Academy (19-2) is looking to win back-to-back crowns in its second state tournament appearance. The top-seeded Eagles have a team batting average of .414 and a team earned-run average of 1.68. They scored 16 runs in their three state tournament games a year ago. The Woodbury school's softball program won the Class 1A state championship last week.
2. Running wild on the base paths
If you want to see a running game put in motion, check out No. 2-seeded Springfield. The Tigers (21-3) average nearly five stolen bases per game. They have swiped 114 bases after setting the state record of 167 a year ago. The Tigers, who have won at least 20 games each of the past three seasons, won the consolation championship last year.
3. Double-digit losses
Three schools in the eight-team field already have suffered at least 10 losses. They are No. 5-seed Lewiston-Altura (15-11), Deer River (14-11) and Kimball Area (13-14). A fourth team, Red Lake County (16-9) will reach that mark if it drops one game in the state tournament. Lewiston-Altura and Kimball Area are both making their first state tournament appearances.
RON HAGGSTROM
