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Brodhead Wins Regional Title, Eliminates Cheesemakers 10-2
ava risum
Brodhead’s Ava Risum celebrates with her teammates after defeating Monroe 10-2 on May 29 in a WIAA Division 2 regional final at Twining Park in Monroe. Risum was electric in the pitcher’s circle, striking out 11 batters. - photo by Mark Evenstad

MONROE — Madi Henning homered and drove in four runs and Ava Risum allowed two runs on five hits and struck out 11 as the Brodhead Cardinals defeated the Monroe Cheesemakers 10-2 in a Division 2 regional championship between Rock Valley Conference rivals. Risum also drove in two runs as the Cardinals won their third straight regional championship. 

Brodhead started out fast in the first inning, as Risum got on base with an infield single. Henning followed with a two-run homer to straightaway center field. Tatum Ceslok and Leah Rear also scored runs to give the Cardinals a 4-0 lead after the first inning. Risum retired the first nine batters she faced through three innings. 

The Cardinals added two more runs in the fourth inning when Elliemay Allen led off with a bunt single. Risum hit a pop up that was misplayed by the Cheesemakers on the infield. Henning followed with an RBI single and Risum scored from second base when she tagged up on a fly ball to right and advanced on an error to give Brodhead a 6-0 lead. 

The Cheesemakers got a run in the bottom of the fourth as senior Sophie Golembiewski hit an RBI triple after starting pitcher Kaegann Paulson led off the inning with a base hit. 

The Cheesemakers threatened in the fifth after sophomore Paizley Kundert struck out swinging. Freshman Jayde Hawkinson doubled and stole third. Senior Chesney Slotten walked, but sophomore Maddie Ruegsegger struck out trying to bunt and Paulson popped out.

The Cheesemakers made it 6-2 in the sixth inning when Golembiewski doubled and scored on an RBI double by senior Olivia Feller. 

Brodhead pulled away in the seventh inning with four runs on RBIs from Risum, Henning, and Rear. 

Brodhead coach Chad Risum said the first inning was vital for his team to get a good start. 

“The girls put it together early in the game. They came out (in the first inning) and put some runs on the board,” Coach Risum said. 

Ava Risum, Chad’s daughter, said it’s very special to play for her father this season. 

“It is very fun. At first I was skeptical, but it’s been a really fun year with him,” Ava Risum said.

Monroe closes the season as co-champion of the Rock Valley Conference, Valley Division with Jefferson with a record of 20-8. Brodhead improves to 19-4 and faced Jefferson in the Division 2 sectional semifinal on Tuesday, June 3.