North Linn returns to state softball tournament

TROY MILLS — There was Ellie Flanagan’s early dance with danger.

There was the back-to-back long-ball trick by Jill Smith and Jenna Lemley.

And there was the pinch-hit decision, a gut feeling, that paid off. Big time.

Addie Cira came through with a clutch two-run single in the fourth inning, and that helped propel second-ranked North Linn past No. 10 Alburnett, 5-2, in a Class 2A softball regional final Monday at North Linn High School.

“I’m kind of used to (Coach Chad Spore) bringing me in, in situations with runners on base,” said Cira, a sophomore. “I really wanted to do it for my team, get some runners in.”

North Linn (39-6) advances to state for the third consecutive season. Champions in 2019 and runners-up last year, the Lynx will play sometime next Monday (probably 5 or 5:30 p.m.) against an opponent to be determined. They will be the No. 2 seed.

Pairings will be released Tuesday night.

“I feel a responsibility with this team,” said Spore, in his first year as head coach. “I’m definitely going to celebrate. But right now, it’s ‘Yes, we made it.’”

The Lynx led just 1-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning. Kenzie Bridgewater and Sydney Smock both singled, and stood at second and third with no outs.

With a 1-0 count on Teagan Liebe, Spore summoned Cira.

“Addie has really done some nice pinch-hitting for us. If the bases are loaded or there are runners at second and third, I’m confident that she will make contact and put the ball in play,” Spore said.

Cira punched it into the outfield, two runs scored and it was 3-0.

“I kept telling myself I could do it,” Cira said.

Alburnett (28-13) got within 3-2 on Sydney Cook’s home run in the top of the fifth, but the Lynx answered quickly.

Smith led off the bottom of the fifth with a home run to right field, then Lemley followed with a bomb to left.

It was the third time this season the duo hit consecutive solo shots.

“Jill hit hers, and I was super pumped,” Lemley said. “I knew the pitcher might be a little rattled, and I was hoping for a pitch in the zone.”

Flanagan retired the final six batters she faced, the last on a liner to shortstop Skylar Benesh, and a typical regional-final celebration ensued. Facemasks and gloves littered the infield as players mingled with parents and fans long after the final out.

“It feels amazing,” Cira said. “I’m so proud of everybody.”

Flanagan (21-2) worked her way out of danger early. The Pirates left the bases loaded in the first inning and stranded runners at second and third in the second frame.

“I really didn’t want to give up that first run,” Spore said.

Instead, North Linn struck first, in the bottom of the first. Kaitlyn Sommerfelt reached on an error, then scored on Lemley’s single.

Flanagan yielded five hits and struck out 10. Cook’s home run was the only Alburnett hit after the third inning.

NORTH LINN 5, ALBURNETT 2

Class 2A Regional Final, at Troy Mills

Alburnett 000 020 0 — 2 5 4

North Linn 100 220 x — 5 9 1

Hailey Carolan, Alicia Heft (5) and Savannah Caves. Ellie Flanagan and Jenna Lemley. W — Flanagan (21-2). L — Carolan (17-6). HR — ALB: Sydney Cook (5), NL: Jill Smith (9), Lemley (10).

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com