K.J. Pilcher

Iowa City Liberty golfer Bella Pettersen doesn’t shy away from addressing her battle with arthritis and the challenges to play a sport that can create stress and strain on joints and muscles with each swing. The Class 4A state contender is determined to conquer the affliction.

Iowa City High’s Mia DePrenger followed a Class 4A state 1,600 relay title in track with a goal in the Little Hawks’ 6-1 regional semifinal soccer victory over Cedar Rapids Kennedy Tuesday.

Solon placed second at the Class 3A state golf tournament Tuesday at Veenker Memorial Golf Course, producing consecutive runner-up finishes and the school’s third overall. Gilbert won the title for the second straight year.

The Solon boys’ golf team is making consecutive state tournament appearances for the first time under Coach Adam Stahle. The Spartans are hoping to improve their runner-up finish in 2021.

Marion freshman Grayson Kirsch had a feeling he would take the mound when he arrived at the field. He came through for the Wolves, retiring the last Cedar Rapisd Xavier nine batters in an 8-7 extra-inning win.

Top-ranked and defending state champion Marion topped No. 3 Cedar Rapids Xavier, 8-7, in nine innings.

T.J. Deardorff has been a reliable leader on the mound and in the field for Coe, which faces North Central (Ill.) in the first round of the NCAA Division III regional tournament Friday.

Cedar Rapids Xavier’s Meera Julka realized a better short game was key to improved golf scores. She has reaped the rewards of her hard work, earning her second straight state berth.

Class 4A and 3A teams begin Iowa high school girls’ golf postseason play as final-round regional meets for all classes are set for Wednesday.

Iowa City Liberty’s Pettersen won her second straight divisional meet, firing an even-par 72 Monday at Gardner Golf Course and securing MVC Mississippi Division Player of the Year honors for the second straight season.

Johnston, Marion, Van Meter and Lansing Kee are the No. 1 teams in the 2022 preseason Iowa high school baseball rankings.

Strong camaraderie can go a long way in making a really good team a championship one. Marion experienced that last year and hopes it will lead to another state baseball championship.

Here are Gazette area players and teams to watch as the 2022 Iowa high school baseball season starts Monday.

With the 2022 Iowa high school baseball season beginning Monday, here are five Gazette area topics to follow this summer.

Coe scored seven runs in a wild first inning and cruised to a 10-6 victory over Wartburg in the American Rivers Conference baseball tournament championship. The Kohawks earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament.