Coming off of an emotional regional final win and capturing a first state berth since 2001, it is logical to think that just making the state tournament is a great feat and any win after is just gravy. Don’t tell that to the Sigourney softball team, as they show no signs of slowing down by steam rolling No. 2 Akron-Westfield 7-3 on Monday in the first round of the class 1A state softball tournament in Fort Dodge.

Facing off with an opponent that was in the top three in the state for just about every offensive and defensive category, Sigourney made it look easy controlling the entire game. The Savages wasted no time getting their offense clicking as they busted out for three runs in the bottom of the first inning. It was the Barthelman duo that got it started for Sigourney as Autum lead off with a double and then sister Summer brought her home with a single. Kendall Streigle helped herself in the circle with a single to plate Summer. Akron-Westfield was able to chip away at the lead by plating two runs in the third to make it 3-2, but they had a chance for more as Streigle got out of the inning with the bases loaded. That was as close as the Westerners ever got as the Savages managed three more tallies in the fifth with RBI singles by Autum Barthelman and Madi Schauf. After both teams managed one more run, Streigle mowed down the Westerners in the seventh to hold on to the 7-3 win. The lone senior continues her impressive stretch in the circle, as she held the highest scoring team in the state to just two runs on six hits. Summer finished the day going 3-for-4 with a RBI and Summer added two hits with a RBI.

With the loss Akron-Westfield drops to 35-3 and falls to the consolation bracket to be played today. With the win, Sigourney keeps their remarkable postseason run afloat and will battle Clarksville (28-2) on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the semifinal round. All of the action from Fort Dodge can be heard live on KCII.