(Audubon, IA) — After a run last year to the 2A state championship game, the Exira EHK Audubon softball team came just short this year and once again it was Van Meter who ended their season. The Bulldogs beat the Spartans in the title game in 2024 and this year beat them in the Regional Finals. Van Meter went on to win back-to-back championships while Head Coach Tom Petersen will talk about how this young team achieved a lot this season and played their best at the end of the season
Riley Miller did not have a sophomore slump — she had a 1.67 ERA and 188 strikeouts and was named third team all-state by the Iowa coaches. After missing the start of the season, Sophomore Taryn Petersen hit .379 with 10 RBI and 19 runs and got some time in the pitching circle to give Miller a rest. Junior Anna Larsen’s batting averaged skyrocketed to .325 and was one of the more improved players. Junior Abby Wanser was also improved hitting .325. The Spartans started three freshmen — Lucy Stanerson, Zoey Rasmussen, and Bryli Petersen who Tom Petersen says all improved as well
After coaching baseball for many years, Petersen coached Exira EHK Audubon to a 16-12 overall record and expects to be back next season
Exira EHK Audubon will lose two seniors — infielder Alissa Testroet and left fielder Peyton Gust.
Complete Interview with Head Coach Tom Petersen
