FORT DODGE — Until further notice, Winterset still reigns.Jenna Creger twirled a two-hitter, and the fourth-ranked Huskies shook off an early deficit to defeat No. 12 Mount Vernon, 5-1, in a Class 3A quarterfinal at the state softball tournament last night at the Rogers Sports ...

MOUNT VERNON — They unloaded the vans after a regional loss last year, and Gary Stamp tossed a gift to catcher Kara Henik.A first-baseman’s mitt.“That’s how I broke the news that she was probably switching positions (this season),” said Stamp, the softball coach at Mount ...

CEDAR RAPIDS JEFFERSONCoach — Larry NiemeyerRecord — 29-5Ranking — No. 3 in 4AState-tournament history — 19th appearance, including eight in a row (longest active streak of any team). State champion in 1983, 1997 and 1998.First-round opponent — Johnston in a 4A quarterfinal at 1:30 p.m. ...

A brief, but lively, debate arose among members of the Mount Vernon rooting section during a second-inning pitching change.“Isn’t it 15 runs after three innings?” asked one fan. “No,” said another, correctly. “Twelve after three, 10 after five.” It went longer than that. But it didn’t go ...

CEDAR RAPIDS — Each Thursday night the water at Ellis Park is transformed into one giant stage, and the show is unlike any other.Spectators fill the metal bleachers and line the shore to see an elaborate display of graceful acts, impressive stunts and colorful costumes.The ...

The Metro is guaranteed a Class 4A team in the state softball tournament next month.One. And one only.The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released its regional pairings Wednesday. All six of the Cedar Rapids-Marion 4A teams are lumped into one region.Third-ranked Jefferson and No. 12 ...

Which has improved more at Mount Vernon High School? The softball facilities or the softball program?Close call.Reconstruction to the diamond, shared by the Mustangs and Cornell College, has been estimated at $250,000 considering donated material and labor. The result is one of the nicest facilities ...

EIGHT GAZETTE-AREA TEAMS TO WATCH FOR 2009:ALBURNETT2008 record: 29-152008 postseason: Reached the state tournament. Placed 3rd in Class 1A.Coach: Marv Porter (3rd year, 54-32)Returning starters (10): C Tricia Miller (sr.), 3B Becky O'Neill (jr.), P Allyssa Neighbor (sr.), 1B Cortney Wood (jr.), LF Ashley Reed ...

A strong volleyball program. A beautiful campus.That was enough to sell Brianna Strong on the University of Northern Colorado.A junior at Mount Vernon High School, Strong said Monday that she has orally committed to play at UNC, a Big Sky Conference member from Greeley, Colo."The ...

Tyler Gunderson is a typical teenager. He has hobbies, likes to read, listen to music and holds a job. When the Lisbon golfer steps to the tee, however, any similarities to a 16-year-old end with his youthful appearance and 5-foot-7 frame. Gunderson shows a knowledge, mentality and ...