Kindred-Richland Softball Beats Rival Central Cass; Wins First State Title Since 2017
THE VIKINGS DOWN THEIR RIVALS, CENTRAL CASS, TO WIN FIRST STATE TITLE SINCE '17.
JAMESTOWN, N.D. (KVRR)–Kindred-Richland versus Central Cass… it is a rivalry like few others. For the two teams, it was their fifth meeting all-time in a state title game and they split their first four. The Squirrels topped the Vikings as recent as 2022 in the title game, but 2024 marked the year of the Vikings.
The Vikings won 6 to 1 for their first title since 2017. Senior Danica Rath in the circle pitched a complete game allowing just one unearned run and struck out four.
She explains her mindset throughout the win and says winning the title is one thing, but to do it against a rival adds a whole new layer.
“Well I cannot do it without my teammates,” said Rath. “All I know is, my catcher just tells me to chuck it, just chuck it. My teammates had my back, I know we got it. We are all so confident [and excited] out there. All our hard work finally paid off and we are so pumped. It was such a big revenge, we always love beating Central Cass. They are a good team, so we love taking them down.”
The Title is the Fourth in program history for Kindred-Richland. Junior Cora Johnson had two runs batted in during Saturday’s win. She says the team battled through adversity to come out on top.
“We were relentless and we were gritty,” said Johnson. “We came back from our mistakes and we did not let that transfer over to our bats. We were mentally tough today and I think that is amazing.
Johnson was quick and to the point when asked how next year’s team will look to repeat…
“We are going to be a tough team again.”
The Vikings outscored their opponents 26-7 to win the Title.
Kindred-Richland graduate Six seniors.
