Luverne Blaze fastpitch softball team sent two teams on to state competition this past week.
The Blaze 14U team traveled to Rochester July 22-23 and took home second place in the Minnesota State Championship.
The 14U team played three games Saturday, July 22.
The Blaze won the first game against New Ulm Blue 11-1, then lost to Redwood 2-1, and finished the day beating Hutchinson 13-5.
On Sunday, July 23, Luverne won four games in a row, beating Highland 11-10, Borderwest 14-5, Maple Lake 5-3 and Watertown 13-3.
In the championship game Luverne faced Redwood for a second time in the tournament, losing the game 13-1.
The Blaze 16-18U team finished in fourth place in state competition in Rochester.
On Saturday, July 22, the Blaze beat Dassel Cokato 6-3 and lost to Morris 2-0.
On Sunday, July 23, the Blaze 16-18U team won three straight games, beating the 612 Royals 12-3, Andover 20-2 and Barnsville 6-3.
In the consolation game Luverne lost to Border West 9-8 for fourth place in the state tournament.
The Blaze 16-18U team ended with a 13-4 season record.
(left photo) Blaze 14U team members are (front, left) Harlie DeKam, Khloe Visker, Mariah Knorr, Baylee Smidt, Macrina Reverts, (back) coach Amy Lou Reisch, Trinley Vanderburg, Tenley Behr, Kassidy Saarloos, Rylee Kurtz, Kylie Kindt, Paige Kubesh and coach Danielle Kneip.
(right photo) Blaze 16-18U team members are (front, left) Allie Kracht, Regan Mehlhaff, Emma Deutsch, Caitlin Kindt, Grace Kempema, Gracie Nath, (back) coach Kendall Buss, Gabbie Nath-Huls, Kianna Winter, Hannah Kempema, Morgan Nath-Huls and coach Billi Connell
