Luther, Coe win NCAA D-III softball tournament openers

Iowa Conference softball teams were 2-1 on the opening day of NCAA Division III regional play Friday. Each region has four teams and is a double-elimination format.

LUTHER 8, ST. SCHOLASTICA 0 (5)

DECORAH — IIAC champion and third-ranked Luther made quick work of its first regional foe Friday, topping St. Scholastica 8-0 in five innings.

Samantha Bratland and Amanda Witzlib combined for the shutout, giving up just three hits and three walks.

Natalie Stockman led the offensive attack with a triple and three RBIs. Sara Nelson, Anna Strien and Bailey Hocker each had two hits for the Norse.

Luther (40-3) faces Chicago (26-12) at 11 a.m. Saturday. The Maroons upset No. 25 St. Catherine, 1-0.

COE 2, WASHINGTON-ST. LOUIS 1

PELLA — No. 25 Coe advanced by topping Washington-St. Louis, 2-1.

The Kohawks scored runs in the fith and sixth innings. Paige Wieland bunted in Madi Miller in the fifth, and Haley Jones had a scarfice fly to plate Allie O'Brien in the sixth.

Alyssa Olson pitched a five-hitter for Coe, striking out six.

Coe (30-9) advances to take on No. 23 St. Thomas at 11 a.m. Friday. The Tommies beat No. 9 Central, 10-2