St. Anthony Village took the alternate route to Caswell Park in North Mankato for the softball state tournament that begins Thursday. The Huskies played their way through the losers' bracket of the Class 2A, Section 4 playoffs to earn their seventh state appearance.
The extended seven-game journey featured three elimination-game victories and two late-inning rallies. It's the first time the Huskies advanced to state through the losers' bracket.
"I guess they can handle the pressure," said St. Anthony coach Lamar Brendemuehl, whose team has 11 seniors, more than he's ever had. "I think it helps [going into state] to know you're not out of it. … I feel like they don't worry too much when they get their backs up against the wall."
Seniors Kelly Lawson and Rosie Robberstad have a combined 76 hits and 75 RBI and lead a veteran group that finished as state consolation champions last season.
The Huskies open against first-time state qualifier Le Sueur-Henderson at 9 a.m. Thursday
Class 3A rematch
Orono hasn't forgotten about its bumpy start. The Spartans were 3-2 two weeks into the season after a 1-0 loss to Lakeville South.
The challenging, early-season schedule, however, fueled a 15-1 run and set up a chance at redemption. Orono will try to spoil Lakeville South's state tournament debut in their quarterfinal matchup at 9 a.m.
"That was early in the season, and facing some stiff competition helps us set the stage for the work that you need to do for the rest of the season," Orono coach Mike Carter said. "Our girls look at that as a challenge, and I think we've done well to prepare for that."
