Trojans are upset winners

Surprisingly headed for state

By NICHOLAS KIMBALL

Staff writer

The Hillsboro Trojans upset the entire Class 2-1A regional bracket with a championship victory last week.

The No. 7 seed Trojans upset No. 2 seed Remington 10-8 in Game 1.

They went on to upset No. 3 seed Canton-Galva 9-0 in the semifinals, with Kori Arnold credited for pitching a shutout no-hitter.

If that wasn’t crazy enough, Hillsboro upset No. 4 seed Moundridge 8-3 to win the regional championship.

“We are a different team compared to the beginning of the season,” coach Alyssa Kroeker said. “ ‘Trust’ has been our team motto, and I think we fully embrace this during regionals.”

Hillsboro opened up the championship game with a 4-1 lead in the first inning.

Keeley Brewer scored three runs. Two came from Cassidy Bernhardt. And Kirsten Kluver, Keitra Edwards, and Kori Arnold each scored one.

Even though Edwards scored only once, she was responsible for hitting in four of the runs scored.

“Our outfielders played solid defense all night, letting nothing past them and making no errors,” Kroeker said.

The Trojans will be playing Thursday at the Pratt-Green Sports Complex as the No. 8 seed against the No. 1 seed McLouth to open up state competition.

“They are 23-0 and will be tough to beat, “ Kroeker said, “but I ‘trust’ my Trojans will bring the same intensity with whatever team we play.

“We are used to being the underdogs so bring on the Bulldogs!”