Keota cruises to next round

It was a strong start for the Keota softball team in the postseason.

The Eagles hosted their regional opener, taking on Harmony on Tuesday night, and a strong set of middle innings helped them cruise to an 11-1 victory.

The Eagles (4-19) will now play Class 1A, No. 2 ranked New London on Wednesday night.

In the game against Harmony, the Eagles were held scoreless until the third inning, when they plated four runs.

Harmony responded with a run in the top of the fourth, but  Keota put together a five-run bottom half of the inning.

Two runs in the bottom of the fifth ended the game early, as Keota advanced on to the next round of regionals.

The Eagles were led by Raigan Sprouse, who went 1-for-4 with four RBIs and two runs scored on the night, while Olivia Sieren and Grace Shemanski each had multi-hit games for Keota.

Cortney Hyman led the team with three runs scored in the contest, while Jillian Schulte added two RBIs.

The second-round game against New London will take place at Eldon at 5:30 p.m.