The first round opponent for Pella in the Class 3A state baseball quarterfinals should provide plenty of hurdles to clear on Monday.

Head Coach Jesse Jablonski says the Crusaders (32-10 overall, Missouri River Conference Champions) have the most power in their bats of anyone in the tournament field, leading Class 3A in home runs, and have the 2nd most stolen bases of any school in 3A at 143. The Crusaders’ pitching staff ERA of 1.89, 299 strikeouts, and opponent batting average are also 2nd in 3A this year, and the best among qualifying state tournament teams.

Ethan Erickson has nine home runs at the plate this season, 4th in 3A, and ace pitcher is 5th in 3A with 85 strikeouts. Heelan had to defeat conference foes LeMars and Sergeant-Bluff Luton by one run each in wild finishes to earn a state tournament bid, their first since 2019 and 21st all-time appearance.

Coverage of Monday’s state baseball tournament opener for Pella begins at 4:30 p.m. on 92.1 KRLS, with first pitch at 5 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids.