ADM Tigers Roar to First Iowa Softball State Title with Dominant 6-0 Win
FORT DODGE – In a season defined by grit and excellence, the Adel-De Soto-Minburn (ADM) Tigers captured their first-ever Iowa high school softball state championship on Thursday, July 23, shutting out Raccoon River Conference rival Carlisle 6-0 at the state tournament.
The No. 1 seed Tigers went undefeated in the double-elimination format, outscoring opponents 29-6 over four games in Fort Dodge. The victory capped a remarkable 24-game winning streak, with ADM not losing since June 16. The team finished the season at 37-4, a testament to hard work and community pride.
How ADM Dominated the Title Game
Pitcher Lauren Hagedorn was lights-out in the circle, allowing just four hits and no runs while striking out several key Carlisle batters. Catcher Kinzie Maxwell led the offense, going 3-for-3 with a single, double, home run, two RBIs, and a walk. The duo set the tone early and never let up.
Maxwell opened the scoring in the first inning with an RBI double to center field, scoring Hagedorn. Moments later, Makenna Pitlick's hit to shallow center field caused a collision between two Carlisle players, allowing courtesy runner Peyton Herrick to score. Carlisle senior Alyvia Freeman was helped off the field after the collision but returned to shortstop the next inning.
In the third inning, Maxwell crushed a solo home run over the center field wall, extending the lead to 3-0. The Tigers added two more runs in the fifth on an RBI single from Aubrey Noring and another from Finley Schaul. The final run came on a bases-loaded walk, bringing Elliotte Von Roden home.
Coach and Players Reflect on Historic Win
ADM coach Lindsay Stanford praised her team's belief and preparation. “They knew they had this game. They had it. They believed in themselves. They knew if they did the work, that was going to be the outcome,” she said.
Maxwell, a key senior leader, highlighted the legacy for younger players. “I hope all the younger girls underneath us can look up to us and know they can do it and they have the power to do it,” she said.
Hagedorn, who had been on the losing end of a state semifinal in 2024, savored the victory. “We have been on the other end of this situation, it really sucks. Being on the winning end is really exciting and really big for this team,” she said.
Carlisle's Season Ends with Pride
The Wildcats finished with a 36-7 record, making their 23rd state tournament appearance in coach Jim Flaws' 40-year tenure. Carlisle won the state title in 2024 and saw key seniors Mallie Stoner, Ella Smith, and Alyvia Freeman graduate with a championship legacy.
For ADM, the win was also a measure of revenge. The Tigers had reached the state tournament six consecutive seasons but fell short each time, including a 2024 loss to Carlisle that ended their title hopes one game shy of the championship.
What This Means for Iowa High School Softball
ADM's first state title since the school's formation (Adel High School won in 1970) marks a new chapter for the program. The Tigers' wire-to-wire dominance and 24-game win streak underscore the strength of Iowa high school softball and the growing competitiveness of the Raccoon River Conference.
For Iowa families and communities, this victory is a reminder of the values of teamwork, perseverance, and local pride. As the Tigers celebrate, their story inspires young athletes across the state to chase their dreams.
This article is based on reporting by Eli McKown of the Des Moines Register.