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Softball

Ottawa returning to state

Ottawa — Defending Class 4A state softball champion Ottawa will have an opportunity to capture the Class 5A crown this year.

Behind stellar pitching from sophomore standout Megan Ramsey, the Cyclones knocked off Pittsburg and powerhouse Mill Valley this week to earn a trip to next week’s 5A state tournament in Winfield.

Ottawa shut down Pittsburg, 1-0, in the first-round game with junior Sara Hanson singling to right field to drive in the game’s only run. Ramsey struck out 16 and allowed just two hits.

Ottawa then beat Mill Valley, a team that went in with a glossy 20-1 record, 3-0, to claim the regional title. Ramsey threw a one-hitter, striking out 18.

“Mill Valley has scored a lot of runs this season,” OHS coach Renee Malburg said, “so to shut them out was incredible.”

State pairings are expected to be announced this weekend.

High school athletics

District honors coaches

Jama Crady, Annette McDonald and David Platt have been named high school coaches of the year by the Lawrence school district.

Crady coaches Free State High girls swimmers, McDonald the Firebirds boys swimmers and Platt is co-coach of both LHS soccer teams.

South wrestling coach Patrick Naughton and Central girls track coach Scott Forkenbrock were named junior high coaches of the year.