The Atlantic Trojans battled tough but came up a run shy 3-2 to Davis County in the Class 3A Region 4 Final. The Mustangs came up with 2 runs in the sixth to make the difference on a sunny and warm Tuesday night in Bloomfield.

Both teams started the game slow offensively but Atlantic drew first blood in the fourth. Ava Rush got on base with a leadoff hit that turned into a two-bagger after a fielding error in left field by Davis County. Two batters later Lila Wiederstein belted a two-run homer over the left-center fence to put the Trojans on top.

Davis County took advantage of a throwing error by the Trojans to bring Rachel McFarland home for a run in the bottom half of the fourth. Then it was the sixth inning that made the difference for the Mustangs. A fielding bobble and a walk allowed Davis County to get two runners aboard and then Kaitlyn Olinger delivered a 2 RBI double to put the Mustangs in front for the first time. Atlantic went down in order in the top of the seventh and the Mustangs celebrated their second straight state tournament appearance.

Atlantic Head Coach Terry Hinzmann talked about that tough 6th inning as well as the pride he had in the effort.

Coach Hinzmann praised Riley Wood for a very strong game in the circle, she had some great off-speed pitch placement throughout the night. He also mentioned that he was glad Wiederstein got a chance to shine on the big stage after a really solid season at the plate and at catcher. He also talked about losing some really great seniors in Mattie Dvorak, Maddie Huddleson, and Ava Rush.

The Trojans really showed some great attitude and positivity throughout the night and Coach Hinzmann said that has been the result of the team growth he’s seen through the season.

Atlantic finishes the season at 23-16. Davis County improved to 24-4 and will head to the Class 3A State Tournament in Fort Dodge next week.