Mid-Prairie begins another state bid

This is Mid-Prairie's time of the year.It's also the Golden Hawks' best shot at making some serious noise.Class 3A third-ranked Mid-Prairie brings an experienced, talented crew into the regional tournament, an event in which it has flourished recently.The Golden Hawks (27-10) begin pursuit of a fourth consecutive state tournament Tuesday against Columbus Junction. First pitch is 7 p.m. at Kalona."In the past, our records didn't look that good coming into regionals, but we played a lot of (Class) 5A teams," said Golden Hawks Coach Justin Lutjen. "But our kids are such good competitors; they honestly just think it's their time."Mid-Prairie was fifth at state in 2A in 2010, third in 2A in 2011, sixth in 3A last year. Seven starters are back from last year's team, including six seniors.Regionals open in 3A and 2A statewide Tuesday. The majority of the top 2A teams drew first-round byes and open in the quarterfinal round Wednesday.Tri-Rivers Conference champion Monticello (28-6) is ranked ninth and headlines a balanced 3A Region 4. That field includes No. 12 Cascade, Center Point-Urbana and Anamosa.Monticello opens at home against Oelwein.

TUESDAY'S CLASS 3A REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS

(7 p.m. unless noted)

Region 3Waukon at New HamptonValley-Postville at CrestwoodOsage at Central SpringsHampton-Dumont at Iowa Falls-Alden

Region 4Waterloo Columbus at CascadeDyersville Beckman at Center Point-UrbanaIndependence at AnamosaOelwein at Monticello

Region 5Davenport Assumption at CamancheWest Liberty at NortheastWilliamsburg at Mount VernonColumbus Junction at Mid-Prairie

Region 7Nevada at Monroe PCMRoland-Story at North PolkSouth Tama at UnionGilbert at East Marshall

TUESDAY'S CLASS 2A REGIONAL FIRST-ROUND GAMES

(7 p.m. unless noted)

Region 3West Fork at Saint Ansgar (winner at Aplington-Parkersburg on Wednesday)Clarion-Goldfield at Nashua-Plainfield (winner at Ackley AGWSR on Wednesday)Dike-New Hartford at North Butler (winner at Denver on Wednesday)Wapsie Valley at South Winneshiek (winner at Sumner-Fredericksburg on Wednesday)

Region 4Edgewood-Colesburg at Clayton Ridge, 5:30 p.m. (winner at Maquoketa Valley on Wednesday)Starmont at MFL MarMac (winner at North Fayette on Wednesday)Bellevue at North Linn (winner at North Cedar on Wednesday)Tipton at Wilton (winner at Durant on Wednesday)

Region 5Pella Christian at North Mahaska (winner at Eddyville-Blakesburg on Wednesday)Louisa-Muscatine at Wapello (winner at Iowa City Regina on Wednesday)Iowa Valley at West Branch (winner at Pekin on Wednesday)Van Buren at Cardinal (winner at Highland on Wednesday)

Region 6Gladbrook-Reinbeck at West Marshall (winner at Alburnett on Wednesday)Baxter CMB at Madrid (winner at Conrad BCLUW on Wednesday)South Hamilton at Colfax-Mingo (winner at North Tama on Wednesday)Hudson at South Hardin (winner at Jesup on Wednesday)