BRODHEAD — After falling in the Regional Final the last two years, Brodhead broke the streak with a 5-0 win over Columbus on Thursday, May 25.

To earn the title, the Cardinals have thrown two no-hitters, struck out 31 batters, scored 16 runs and tallied 19 hits. Overall this season, Brodhead has allowed just 33 hits in 25 games (1.32 hits per game).

Mckenna Young struck out the side in the top of the first, handing it over to the offense. Sophia Letizen doubled to left and Young reached on an error. With two outs, Alexis Kammerer delivered a two-RBI single to center. 

After a three-up, three-down top of the second, Brodhead added three more runs in the bottom of the frame. Allie Dahl sparked a two-out rally with a single to left. Tatum Ceslock walked and Ava Risum reached on a two-base error, scoring Dahl. Leitzen kept the pressure on with single to drive in pinch runner Macayla Lang and Risum.

Young struck out the side again in the third for a shutdown inning. Although the Cardinals were unable to score again, relief pitcher Risum didn’t allow the Cardinals to gain momentum. The sophomore struck out the side in the fifth and sixth.

Brodhead’s pitching staff allowed just one hit and struck out 16 batters. At the plate, Leitzen led the Cardinals going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and one run scored. Kammerer also drove in two runs with her single in the first.

With the win, No. 1-seeded and No. 2-ranked Brodhead advances to the sectional semifinal for the first time since 2014. There, the Cardinals will face No. 7-ranked Capitol South Conference champions Marshall.