DGF gearing up to defend softball state championship

GLYNDON, Minn (KVRR) – The Dilworth-Glyndon-Fenton softball program is back in the Class AA State Softball Tournament, as they prepare to defend their 2023 championship. The Rebels came into their Section 8AA tournament as the fourth seed from the north division.

There they took down East Grand Forks, Hawley, Thief River Falls, Menahga and Hawley again to secure their spot in the state tourney.

“It would be awesome especially how I said people are graduating and we’re so young. It would be amazing if we won again this year to be defending state champs for a second year in a row.” said Makayla Bjelland.

“All just super excited to go down again. We really did want to not go back because of winning and then not going back just not in the picture for us.” said Autumn Leach.

This squad has some young stars on the roster with veterans who have aspirations at winning another state championship.

“It would mean a lot. One state championship it was great but I think two would just mean [MORE] especially it being my senior year.” said Lola Garrett.

One of the young players on this team is Autumn Leach, a pitcher who has shown during the postseason that she has the mental fortitude to face bases loaded and get the win. That happened during the opening round against East Grand Forks in the Section 8AA tournament. Leach in the top of the 6th inning was facing runners on each base and got three straight strikeouts to close out the game to win it. And with this roster, she’s ready to help the Rebels make a run at the state title.

“Oh my, they mean the world to me. I love them so much.” said Leach.

The Rebels will look to continue their quest for back-t0-back state titles with a first round matchup against the St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders on June 5 at the Caswell Park at 3 P.M.