There are many, many reasons why Pella High making it to Fort Dodge for the Class 4A state softball tournament next week is special to this team and community. For starters, it’s the first time in school history the ladies donning the green will be participating on the state softball stage. Secondly, this is a Lady Dutch squad that features just two seniors, only one of whom is in the starting line-up. Lastly, as has been known all year, this is the final run for Coach Krista DeMeulenaere. Lady Dutch pitcher, Elyse Sadler, says DeMeulenaere has had a major impact on her still-young softball career. Centerfielder Sara Tallman says one thing that has helped them along has been Krista’s unwavering support through the thick and the thin. Pella High’s first test in Monday night at 5:00 p.m. on the Buena Vista University Field in Fort Dodge. The winner of that game plays Thursday versus either Fairfield or Dallas Center – Grimes.