In order to make a return trip to the state tournament in Fort Dodge, the No. 12 Mid-Prairie Golden Hawks softball team (21-12 overall) will have to defeat the top team in the state. The Golden Hawks resume Class 3A Region 5 tournament play tonight in Solon, facing the No. 1 Solon Spartans (37-3 overall).

Mid-Prairie advanced to the regional semifinal with a 12-0 victory over the Central Lee Hawks. Mid-Prairie pounded out 13 hits against Central Lee, highlighted by an Amber Kral three-run home run.

Solon moved into the regional semifinal by shutting out Williamsburg 13-0 on Wednesday. Six Spartans recorded two or more hits in the victory. The Spartans have allowed two runs over their previous eight games, posting six shut outs over that span. Senior Emily Ira has posted a 23-2 record in 154 innings pitched this season, allowing 10 earned runs all season and posts an opponents’ batting average of .077.

First pitch of tonight’s Class 3A Region 5 semifinal softball game begins at 7 p.m. at Solon High School. Live play-by-play coverage begins with the Washington Hy-Vee Pregame show at 6:30 p.m. on AM 1380, FM 102.5 and KCIIRadio.com.