The Atlantic Trojans softball team advanced to the Class 3A Region 3 Semifinals with an 11-0 win in 5 innings over Clarinda on Wednesday night. The Trojans used patience at the plate early and then racked up some hits late in the game to move on.

Atlantic scored 4 runs in the bottom of the 1st to grab an early lead. Aziah Smalley struggled in the circle for Clarinda and Atlantic took advantage of four walks and one hit-batter in the opening frame. Olivia Engler and Caroline Pellett had the only two hits that inning, both driving in 2 runs with singles. First baseman Kennedy Goergen said they have been working on that patience this week.

Atlantic would later bring home 3 runs on 4 hits in the 3rd. Atlantic then added 4 more runs on 3 hits in the 4th, nearly ending the game that inning on the 12-run rule. Olivia Engler made quick work of the 5th with 3 straight strikeouts to end the game. Engler was spectacular in the circle with 8 strikeouts and just one walk on the night. Atlantic Head Coach Terry Hinzmann thought the team did a great job of putting a complete effort together.

Defense was solid all night for the Trojans as well and shortstop Caroline Pellett said they can build confidence with their defense.

The Trojans improved their record to 16-1 on the season and will host the Regional semifinal on Friday. They will have to wait to see who that opponent will be as Shenandoah and Red Oak postponed their game on Thursday due to wet field conditions from rain on Wednesday. We’ll have that semifinal on Friday on KJAN with pregame at 6:45 p.m. and first pitch at 7:00 p.m. Coach Hinzmann said they’ve refocused on their next set of goals.

Clarinda got at least one base-runner aboard in the first three innings of the game but could never get a timely hit to bring anyone home. The Cardinals end their season with a 4-11 record.