Jeff Linder

FORT DODGE — Our placement predictions for the 2017 state softball tournament this week at the Rogers Sports Complex: Class …

IOWA CITY — For Justin Lutjen, something had to give. For the betterment of his family, it was softball. Lutjen …

Cedar Rapids Jefferson’s Avery Guy and Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s Ashley Hamilton are divisional softball players of the year in the …

CEDAR RAPIDS — For the common team, the situation screamed sacrifice. But Cedar Rapids Jefferson isn’t a common team. When …

SOLON — All but one set of lights had been extinguished. The field was groomed, and nearly everyone else had …

The Kennedy Cougars tensed up last season, and paid the price. ‘There were a lot of outside factors,’ recalled Coach …

Few prepare quite like Jim White. Sure, Albia is 120 miles away. But rest assured, no stone will be left …

Libby Ryan, at a glance• Full name: Elizabeth Joyce Ryan• Birthdate: Aug. 21, 1998• School: Mount Vernon• Family: Parents, Dave and Heidi. Siblings, Jacob, Emily, Sarah, Trey, Paul, Lauren, Henry and Mikey.• High-school achievements: Will finish with 17 varsity letters, and her fingerprints are all over some very successful programs at Mount Vernon. She has competed in state competition 12 times — four each in volleyball and track, twice each in basketball and softball. A two-time first-team all-state libero in volleyball, and is likely to become a three-time first-teamer in softball. An 11-time state placewinner in track, including a shuttle hurdle relay title in 2014 and a 1,600-meter relay crown in 2015.• Future plans: Will attend Drake University and play softball. Major is undecided.

CEDAR RAPIDS — The hits came early. The hits came often. The hits came from everybody, everywhere, up and down …

MOUNT VERNON — Speed is one thing, but only half of the equation of effective baserunning. ‘If you’re fast, that’s …

Benton Community is a No. 1 softball team, without the No. 1 protection. Instead of a cushy regional draw, the …

Her team was exposed in its final two regular-season games. And Mount Vernon softball coach Robin Brand was grateful. ‘(Solon …

LISBON — As she strode to the plate, Kassidy Rose held a single-minded conversation with herself: Don’t roll the wrist. …

It was no act. There was outright joy in Jeff Koenig’s voice. ‘I couldn’t be happier,’ said Koenig, the softball …

Area softball Super 10, through games played Monday, July 3: 1. Cedar Rapids Jefferson Record: 36-4. …