K.J. Pilcher

Tyler Nagelbach pitched eight shutout innings and Jaden Hackbarth delivered a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 10th in Mount Mercy’s 1-0 win over Heart of America Athletic Conference leader Grand View Friday at Plaster Athletic Complex. Grand View earned the split with a 9-6 win in the nightcap.

A lottery-style drawing determined the final five entrants for the National Duals Invitational set for Nov 15-16 at BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla. University of Iowa and UNI are part of the 16-team field. Iowa women well represented in U.S. Open semifinals. More transactions for state schools.

Iowa City West’s Ainsley Wilson has made an instant impact in her first varsity season. She ranks among the state leaders in scoring and claimed medalist honors at the CRANDIC girls’ golf meet Wednesday at Twin Pines Golf Course in Cedar Rapids. Cedar Rapids Washington won the team race.

The growth of girls’ wrestling continues and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union has added another state championship event to coincide with the rapidly expanding sport. The IGHSAU will begin a State Duals championship for the 2026-27 season.

WIll David Carr build on recent win over Olympic silver medalist? Parker Keckeisen returns to the mat after closing college career. Hawkeye men and women in the field and more.

Boede Rahe has overcome adversity to become an ace for Kirkwood’s baseball team. He pitched a complete game for his sixth victory of the season in the Eagles’ 13-3 win in six innings over Northeast (Neb.) Community College.

Kylie Wahctl’s freshman season had a lot of memorable moments that could be hard to top. She continued her success into the summer and is poised for a solid sophomore campaign.

Maddie Harris decided to concentrate on volleyball when she arrived at Coe. After two years, she couldn’t resist a return to the softball diamond and the other sport she loves.

Esteban Perez gives every ounce of effort whenever he takes the field. He has made a big impact as an everyday catcher for the Rams, leading them with his hustle, toughness and durability. He reached bases in all six plate appearances, scored four runs and drove in another in Cornell’s 19-8 route of rival Coe.

Iowa baseball couldn’t conjure up a timely hit for a big inning and gave up three runs in the final two innings, allowing Nebraska to claim a 6-4 victory in the third and final game of the weekend series.

The offseason has heated up with wrestlers, finding new homes and better fits via the transfer portal and improving their NIL stock. Iowa and Iowa State are among the players this spring.

The Hawks’ boys’ golf team has the potential for a strong season. They are off to a good start, ranking among the state’s best teams in Class 3A.

Sophomore Kiya has swung a hot bat this spring for the Eagles. She was named NJCAA DIvision II Player of the Week and followed it up with four hits and nine RBIs in a double sweep of Ellsworth Wednesday at home.

Austin Blythe wanted to coach but wasn’t sure if he wanted to be a head coach. After two seasons as an assistant, he is taking over at his alma mater Williamsburg.

Coe’s Ryan Thoreson used to over think his approach at the plate. He has kept things simple and ranks among the Kohawks’ top hitters this season.