The Jr. High Lady Rockets had an amazing run at state. The first game to kick off the tournament was against the West Salem Bulldogs. They took a significant win eight to one, with phenomenal pitching from Kenley Hackstadt and Jilien Harre behind the plate. 

In the semi-final game the Jr. Lady Rockets played St. Mary Red Bud. Another impressive pitching game from Hackstadt and a win eight to one put the Lady Rockets into the championship game. 

Kenley Hackstadt pitched exceptionally well in the championship game against Jonesboro. The game was a battle for both teams and everyone who attended was on their toes the whole game. The Jr. Lady Rockets managed to pull through for the win and brought home the first-ever SIJHSAA Softball Championship!

I talked to the head coach, Haylee Bowers, about her thoughts about winning state. “I feel very fortunate to have won state with the players that I did. They are not only great athletes but great people. The excitement that I felt can not be explained in words,” said Bowers. Bowers has been to the state tournament four out of five years of her coaching career here at Okawville.