WF Horace Earns EDC Softball Title, East 1-seed for State Tournament

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR) – West Fargo Horace is headed to state for the first time in program history after capturing the EDC Championship at Albrecht Field in Grand Forks.

The Hawks completed a dominant postseason run with a dramatic 4-3 victory over West Fargo in the conference title game, punching their ticket to the Class A State Softball Tournament and securing the first EDC championship in school history.

Freshman pitcher Josie Carriere led the way with composure beyond her years in the circle, while Horace’s defense delivered key plays throughout the championship matchup to preserve the one-run victory.

But while underclassmen played a major role in the title run, the moment carried extra meaning for the program’s seniors — especially players like Whitney Nystrom, who have been with the Hawks since the beginning.

Horace head coach Jen Smart reflected on what it meant to finally see her senior class accomplish its long-time goal.

“The class of seniors that we have this year, we started out as freshmen, and their goal every year has been to make it to state, and so to send those seniors off going to state and making those memories is the best feeling in the world,” Smart said.

Carriere also spoke about the opportunity to continue the season alongside the upperclassmen who helped guide her during her freshman campaign.

“It means so much to me, because, like, I’m only a freshman, and I’m so excited that I get to spend time with, like, my senior friends and my junior friends more, like, and go to state and, like, just hang out with them and be able to know them for even longer now,” Carriere said.

The Hawks’ road to the EDC title included a dominant 13-1 quarterfinal victory over Grand Forks Central, followed by a 4-1 semifinal win over Grand Forks Red River before edging West Fargo 4-3 in the championship game.

Now, Horace turns its attention to the state tournament in Minot. The Hawks will face fourth-seeded Bismarck Legacy on Thursday, May 28, at Scheels South Hill Softball Complex. First pitch is scheduled for 30 minutes after the conclusion of the 4 p.m. game.

Also making the State Tournament field is:

• West Fargo (East 2-seed)
  • EDC Runner up
• Shanley (East 3-seed)
  • defeated Fargo North 4-3 in State Qualifier
• Fargo Davies (East 4-seed)
  • defeated Grand Forks Red River 9-1 in State Qualifier

The full bracket can be found by clicking HERE

HISTORY: A WDA team has won each of the last five State Tournaments. The last East team was West Fargo in 2019.

Dickinson (2021, 2023-24)

Bismarck High (2022)

Williston (2025)

In baseball, West Fargo captured the EDC crown and will make their first State Tournament appearance since 2023. The Packers defeated West Fargo Horace 5-4 in the title game.

Now, West Fargo turns its attention to the state tournament in Minot. The Packers will face fourth-seeded Bismarck on Thursday, May 28, at Corbett Field. First pitch is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.

Also making the State Tournament field is:

• West Fargo Horace (East 2-seed)
  • EDC Runner up
• Fargo South (East 3-seed)
  • defeated Grand Forks Red River 6-2 in State Qualifier
• West Fargo Sheyenne (East 4-seed)
  • defeated Devils Lake 4-1 in State Qualifier

The full bracket can be found by clicking HERE

HISTORY: An EDC team has won each of the last five State Tournaments. The last West team was  Bismarck Century in 2019.

West Fargo Sheyenne has won four during that time frame (2021-23, 2025). Shanley won in 2024.