Luther, Coe advance to D-III softball regional finals

Both Luther and Coe advanced to the final day of regional play in the NCAA Division III softball tournament.

The Norse are one win away from the super regional. The Kohawks will have to win twice Sunday to continue their season.

No. 25 Coe defeated Washington-St. Louis, 2-0, in an elimination game Saturday in Pella.

Allie O'Brien had an RBI double in the first inning. Maliah Fligg got the pitching win, limiting Washington (27-14) to four hits over seven innings.

Earlier Saturday, Coe lost to No. 23 St. Thomas, 3-0.

Coe will take on St. Thomas (36-9) again at 1 p.m. Sunday. The Tommies need just one win to move on. No. 9 Central, the host, was eliminated Saturday by Washington, 2-1.

No. 3 Luther blanked the Chicago, 6-0, on Saturday at Hoff Field in Decorah.

Annie Versnik gave up just three hits over five innings for the win. Bailey Hocker was 2-for-3 batting with a home run and three RBIs.

Luther (41-3), which hasn't given up a run in either of its regional games, faces No. 25 St. Catherine (33-12) in the regional championship at noon Sunday. St. Kate's would have to win twice to knock out the Norse.