The Atlantic Trojans softball team (34-5) will square off against top-seeded Assumption Knights (38-3) in the Class 3A State Semifinals this afternoon. The Trojans are coming off a thrilling 10-9 comeback win over Anamosa in 11 innings on Monday night in the quarters. Assumption zipped past Clarke 11-1 in 6 innings in their quarterfinal game.

Assumption has a couple of strong pitchers to turn to led by junior Bella Nigey who has compiled a 23-2 record in 28 appearances this season. She has a 0.64 ERA with 206 strikeouts.

The Knights offense is led by seniors Olivia Wardlow and Anna Wohlers. Wardlow has racked up 60 hits and is hitting .484, while Wohlers leads the team in RBIs with 63 on 56 hits this year.

Atlantic will look for a strong effort from their senior pitcher Olivia Engler. She has 23 wins with a 1.30 ERA and 269 strikeouts. It’s a strong top of the order for the Knights so keeping that part of the lineup in check will likely be key.

Some early offense would also benefit the Trojans and they will look for a better effort from the top of the order than the last round. Top hitters Olivia Engler and Alyssa Derby combined for just one hit against Anamosa.

We’ll have coverage of the game on KJAN with pregame at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon. Tune in on AM 1220, FM 101.1, and online at kjan.com.