FORT DODGE — Monday, July 20, marked the first day of the 2026 Iowa high school softball state tournament, and there is plenty of action happening in Class 5A.
The bracket of the state’s largest class is jam-packed with talent and includes six teams from Central Iowa. Remember, this year’s state tournament is double-elimination, meaning one loss does not eliminate a squad from contention for a state title.
Here is a recap of Class 5A’s games on Monday at the state tournament.
The Wolves leapt out to an early lead, thanks to strong pitching from Sophia Schlader and a four-run first inning at the plate. The sophomore pitcher struck out three batters in the opening frame, and then Northwest jumped onto offense.
Schlader led off with a double into left field, Alayna Schulte got on base with a bunt, and an infield single from Kenley Sanger drove in the Wolves’ first run of the game. Northwest added three more runs before the end of the first, and that’s what the score remained – 4-0 – through the top of the sixth, when Pleasant Valley picked up its first run.
Those four runs were enough for the Wolves to advance, though, and the reigning state champions are on to the semifinals.
“It’s a focus, just coming out with energy, attacking the ball, (it) helps them settle in if we can score early,” said head coach Carrie Eby. “And you saw that today, a little bit. They scored right off the bat and then kind of eased into some things.”
Alyssa Hertel is the college sports recruiting reporter for the Des Moines Register. Contact Alyssa at ahertel@dmreg.com or on Twitter @AlyssaHertel.
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