COLE VALLEY ROLLS PAST WEISER 7-2 TO ADVANCE TO SEMIFINALS

The #2 Cole Valley Christian Chargers powered their way to a convincing 7-2 victory over the #3 Weiser Wolverines in the 4A Idaho State Softball Championship quarterfinals, booking their spot in the semifinals against top-seeded Kimberly.

Cole Valley broke the game open with a decisive five-run explosion in the second inning that proved to be the difference. Emery Hawkins ignited the rally with a two-run single before Lauren Colson delivered the knockout blow with a towering three-run home run to center field that gave the Chargers a commanding 5-0 lead they would never relinquish.

Karlie Barnum was outstanding in the circle for Cole Valley, going the distance with a complete game effort. The Chargers’ ace limited Weiser to just four hits and two runs (only one earned) over seven innings while striking out five and walking just one batter.

Lauren Colson provided both power and consistency for the Chargers’ offense, finishing 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBIs, and two stolen bases. Addy Herrera also contributed a multi-hit performance as Cole Valley collected seven hits overall.

Madi Janicek, who had been dominant in Weiser’s opening round victory, took the loss after allowing seven runs (five earned) on seven hits over six innings. She did strike out six batters while also driving in one of Weiser’s two runs. Taylor Mordhorst led the Wolverines offensively, going 2-for-3 at the plate.

With the victory, Cole Valley advances to face #1 Kimberly in Saturday’s semifinal showdown at 11:15 AM, while Weiser drops to the consolation bracket where they’ll play Gooding in an elimination game.