Pioneers Beat Blazers in D5 Regional Semifinals

Sevastopol’s Naomi Rikkola (right) slides safely into second base during Tuesday’s WIAA Division 5 regional softball semifinal against NEW Lutheran. Photo by Kevin Boneske.

Sevastopol’s softball team opened the WIAA Division 5 Tournament at home Tuesday when the No. 3-seeded Pioneers defeated No. 6-seeded NEW Lutheran, 12-3.

Winning pitcher Addison Schauske scattered four hits and four walks over seven innings while striking out 11.

At the plate for Sevastopol, Naomi Rikkola batted 4-4, with two home runs, a triple, three runs scored and drove in five runs. Kayla Ranly went 3-4, with a triple, three runs scored, two stolen bases and a pair of RBI. Schauske hit 2-4, with a double, home run and 2 RBI. Jolene Luedtke was 1-2.

The Pioneers advance to Thursday’s regional championship game at No. 2-seeded Almond-Bancroft.