Motivation won’t be hard to come by today when Norwalk makes its return to the Class 4A State Softball Tournament in Fort Dodge. Making their fourth consecutive state tourney appearance at Rogers Sports Complex, the 2nd-ranked Warriors will face 10th-ranked North Scott in a 4A quarterfinal at 12:15 p.m. The game can be heard live on 94.3 KNIA, as well as kniakrls.com (KNIA3). Pregame coverage is slated to begin at noon.

Norwalk brings a 33-7 overall record into the contest. North Scott is 29-11. The two teams are meeting at state for the third straight year, and so far the Lady Lancers have enjoyed the upper hand. North Scott rallied past the Warriors 6-4 in the 4A semifinals two years ago, and last year won 2-0 in the quarterfinals.

Norwalk coach Beau Livingston tells KNIA Sports that his players are motivated, excited and ready for another shot at the Lady Lancers. “I think everyone is just real excited to get another opportunity, first and foremost, just to go to Fort Dodge and experience the state tournament,” Livingston said. “But to also play a team that has knocked us out of the winner’s side of things the last two years is pretty motivating, especially for our senior class. Most of those kids have experienced those two games, so to get another opportunity against them… we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

North Scott returns several key players from last year’s team, including senior pitcher Chevelle Kingsley. Kingsley, who shares the pitching duties with junior Cadey Bredar, pitched a three-hit shutout against the Warriors last year, backed by some outstanding defensive plays. Norwalk senior Carly Brewer struck out 11 Lady Lancers in a complete game loss.

The Warriors enter state with 49 home runs on the season, compared to only 12 for North Scott, but the Lady Lancer lineup does feature three .400 hitters and a nice mix of speed and pop. Livingston calls North Scott a formidable foe that is solid in all facets of the game.

Today’s winner will advance to Wednesday’s semifinal round and face North Polk or Western Dubuque. The losing team will play a consolation game tomorrow at 10:30 a.m.