Van Meter Bullets Dominate Albia 10‑2 in State Softball Opener

Setting the Stage for Van Meter

Van Meter entered the Class 3A tournament as the No. 6 seed after stepping up from two‑time defending 2A champion status. The Bulldogs knew many observers doubted their ability to compete against the powerhouse programs like Williamsburg and Wahlert Catholic. Their move to a larger class added extra pressure, but the team was ready to prove its mettle. The atmosphere at Rogers Sports Complex in Fort Dodge on July 20 reflected the high stakes of the opener.

Game Dominance and Key Plays

The Bulldogs unleashed a 10‑run onslaught, striking Albia ace Grace Pence early and never looking back. Van Meter’s offense erupted for 12 hits, turning a tight 5‑2 deficit into a decisive victory. The mercy rule clinched the win after an eight‑run burst in the fifth inning. Coach‑less mentions of the team’s intensity highlighted a confident effort across the lineup.

Every starter contributed to the offensive fire, with Mady Schnell going 3‑for‑4 and adding a triple, a two‑run homer, and four RBIs. Aniston Netten proved she could swing the bat as well as pitch, launching a two‑run homer to fuel the late surge. The defense tightened on several occasions, limiting Albia to just two earned runs through the first five frames.

Standout Performances

Mady Schnell’s home run in the fourth inning erased an early deficit and sparked the offensive explosion. Her 3‑for‑4 night included a triple and four RBIs, showcasing why she is a top recruit for the University of Northern Iowa. Aniston Netten’s dual threat—pitching and hitting—earned her praise from teammates for her composure under pressure. Ashlan Small’s 3‑for‑3 display added crucial runs, while Brooklyn Piller and Ivy Vaught each contributed scores and RBIs.

Defensively, the Bulldogs limited Albia’s Grace Pence to nine earned runs despite her league‑leading 0.17 ERA and 345 strikeouts. Netten’s stint on the mound gave way to Jillian Womansky, who anchored the finish. The Bulldogs now carry a 33‑6 record into the next round, confident in their depth and resilience.

What Lies Ahead

Van Meter will face No. 2 seed Wahlert Catholic in Game 8 of the championship bracket on July 21, a rematch against a team that has yet to drop a contest. Albia, now 32‑2, stays alive as the Lady Dees prepare to meet West Delaware in Game 7 of their bracket. Both sides know a single loss would sideline them from title contention, raising the stakes for the upcoming battles.

The upcoming matches will test Van Meter’s ability to sustain momentum after the dominant opener. Wahlert Catholic’s loss could be minimal, but a strong performance from the Bulldogs will signal they belong among the elite of Class 3A. Fans expect another high‑scoring affair, with the mercy rule likely to feature again if one side gets an early lead.

Key Stats at a Glance

• Van Meter record: 33‑6, No. 6 seed, two‑time defending 2A champion.
• Albia record: 32‑2, No. 3 seed, led by Grace Pence (0.17 ERA, 345 strikeouts).
• Offensive stars: Mady Schnell 3‑for‑4, 3 RBI, HR; Aniston Netten 2‑run HR; Ashlan Small 3‑for‑3.
• pitching: Netten 2 ER, 3 hits, 3 walks; Pence 9 ER, 12 hits, 7 K in a losing effort.
• Upcoming games: Van Meter vs. Wahlert Catholic (July 21); Albia vs. West Delaware (July 21).

The Bulldogs’ confidence is building after the convincing victory, and the tournament’s double‑elimination format means every game matters. Van Meter’s ascent in the 3A ranks is now firmly on track, and the next step is to keep the hot streak alive against one of the tournament’s top seeds.