It’s been a double dose of Dutch in the State Baseball and Softball Tournaments for Pella High School this summer.

When the Little Dutch baseball team qualified last week, Junior A.J. Kingery joined a close relative in earning the distinction of state tournament-bound. Twin sister Lauren was the starting right fielder for the Lady Dutch, who wrapped up their first-ever state appearance with a 4th place finish last week. Both say it’s a special time for their family, and that it’s been extra special to see each other play because they don’t normally get the chance to do so.

“Our parents are just really proud of us, they’ve pushed us to do a lot of things,” Lauren says. “It’s just great to finally accomplish something that we’ve dreamed of.”

“Everybody’s right behind our back, cheering us on every single time,” A.J. tells KNIA/KRLS News.

The Little Dutch will play in their second ever state tournament tonight at 7:30 p.m. against Dallas Center-Grimes. Coverage from Principal Park in Des Moines begins at 7:15 p.m. on 92.1 KRLS and kniakrls.com. We have more about the Kingery twins and the athletes of the state tournament teams on Let’s Talk Pella.