The Indianola softball team makes a run at a return trip to Fort Dodge and the state tournament this evening, despite playing only one game since July 6th. The Indians will face an old rival in West Des Moines Valley who dispatched Des Moines Lincoln in the regional semifinal 8-0 on Saturday evening, setting up the regional final showdown on the road tonight. Head coach Stacy Evans tells KNIA Sports the pitching of Kate Kralik and the Indians defense will be key for the victory.

“On defense we tell them not to get sedentary, but Kate (Kralik) does a good job getting in good counts such as 0-2, and she has a lot of control. The defense is reading the same signals that Mara (Bishop) gives to Kate, so they are ready for the ball as well. I think it gives confidence for everyone, and all of it works well together.”

The Indians have made two straight trips to Fort Dodge, reaching last year’s tournament in walkoff fashion against Southeast Polk. The game tonight can be heard live on 94.3 KNIA, with Andrew Swadner on the play-by-play. Pregame coverage begins at 6:45pm, with first-pitch scheduled for 7pm.