The new postseason tournament format established a few years ago to allow for a “family week” will have Pella’s summer team fans feeling more overlap at the upcoming state baseball and softball brackets next week.

No family may be feeling that pinch more than a pair of siblings playing critical roles on their respective Dutch teams.

Pella Baseball Pitcher and Infielder Samuel Carlson and Softball Catcher Lucy Carlson have both been vital members of their squads on the road to the final eight in their respective postseason brackets. Samuel earned the win on the mound and had a critical game-tying RBI single in the 3rd inning against Clear Creek Amana; “Goose” threw out three baserunners between the Carlisle and Gilbert victories.

While both Dutch summer teams share the same day to play in the upcoming quarterfinals on Monday, it’s been nothing new for the Carlson family — they’ve been playing the switcheroo at sites across central Iowa since Lucy burst onto the varsity scene in 8th grade and Samuel that same summer as a 9th grader, with dad Kevin and mom Kelly often juggling the radio apps, YouTube streams, GameChanger live scoring, or even standing in the opposing team’s bleachers to catch a glimpse of both in action. Samuel is grateful for the support, knowing the situation can be challenging to follow at times.

“It’s crazy and amazing to have that support from your parents, because that’s another big thing that I think some people don’t really understand is having that support from your parents and your family means a whole lot,” he says. “I know my grandpa always will text me after every game and just knowing that they are there to support you, they love you — especially if you have a shaky game, that’s just awesome and helps you mentally.”

The good news this coming week is that the state tournament schedules shouldn’t overlap on Monday or later in the week, barring any type of significant delays in Fort Dodge, with the Pella softball team opening up against #1 Xavier at 10 a.m. at the Harlan Rogers Sports Complex, and the #2 in 3A Dutch baseball team facing Sergeant Bluff-Luton at Lewis and Clark Park in Sioux City at 5 p.m. Live coverage of both summer teams can be heard live on 92.1 KRLS.