Storm Lake Times Pilot

Sioux Central falls to No. 8 North Union 9-1 in 2A regional finals


North Union scored nine unanswered runs, including four in the third inning as the eighth-ranked Warriors punched their ticket to the state tournament after beating Sioux Central 9-1 on Monday night in Swea City.

Sioux Central (21-7) took an early 1-0 lead when Berkley Johannsen singled to score Kendra Casey in the first inning.

It was all Warriors after that as they scored four runs in the third, three in the fourth and two more in the fifth.

“The third inning was big for them when they scored four runs and took control of the game,” Sioux Central coach Kasey Krager said. “They’re a team that puts a lot of pressure on the defense with their ability to bunt, slap and swing, along with their team speed.”

Casey had three of Sioux Central’s seven hits, which were all singles. Johannsen, Brynn Webber, Maggie McGuire and Halle Laursen each added one hit apiece.

Taylor Krager took the loss. She allowed five hits and five runs, walked three and struck out two over three innings. Johannsen gave up six hits and four runs, walked four and struck out two in three innings of relief.

Ella Ulrich led North Union with three. Vanessa Von Bank, Olivia Von Bank and Sam Nielsen all added two hits apiece for the Warriors (29-4).

Olivia Von Bank drove in three runs while Vanessa Von Bank and Emily Meyer each drove in a pair of runs. Nielsen and Ulrich scored three runs apiece.

Meyer was the winning pitcher. She scattered seven hits, walked two and struck out 10 batters.

“When you get to the regional final game, you have to play your absolute best,” Krager said. “We would have liked to have played better, but I was really proud of the team’s effort. North Union is a very good team.”

“I’d like to thank our four seniors — Taylor Krager, Emma Lonning, Maggie McGuire and Brielle Wernimont — for their leadership, dedication and hard work over the years,” Krager added. “They have contributed since their freshman season and have been a big part of the successes of the program. They are going to be greatly missed. Thanks again girls for all you’ve done.”