North Polk Softball Season Ends in Heartbreaking 2-1 Loss to Fort Dodge at State Tournament

FORT DODGE – The North Polk Comets saw their remarkable season come to an end Wednesday in a nail-biting 2-1 elimination game loss to Fort Dodge at the Iowa high school state softball tournament. Despite a stellar defensive effort, the Comets could not overcome a two-run deficit, finishing the year with a 21-18 record.

The loss marks the end of North Polk's fourth consecutive state tournament appearance, a run that has made the program a consistent contender in Class 4A. Three seniors graduate, but a strong core of underclassmen returns, giving Comets fans plenty of reason for optimism heading into 2027.

How the Game Unfolded

Fort Dodge pitcher Aubrey Alstott was the difference-maker, both in the circle and at the plate. She held North Polk to just one run while also hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth inning that proved to be the game-winner.

The Dodgers struck first in the bottom of the second inning when Calliegh Zimmerman scored on a groundout by Meg Marsh. Alstott then extended the lead to 2-0 with her solo shot over the left field wall, a 234-foot blast that silenced the Comets' dugout.

North Polk answered in the top of the fifth when Reese Smithey drove in a run with an RBI double, cutting the deficit to 2-1. The Comets' defense kept them in the game, holding Fort Dodge to eight hits and making key plays to keep the score close.

In the top of the seventh, North Polk's Tessa Dillinger reached third base with two outs, but the Comets could not bring her home. Fort Dodge escaped to advance, ending North Polk's tournament run.

Coach Ostendorf: 'It's Going to Propel Them Forward'

North Polk head coach Addy Ostendorf praised her team's resilience and the lessons learned from a tough season and a hard-fought tournament.

“We put our kids in a lot of hard situations throughout the year with our tough schedule and then getting here and playing some really tough teams. I think it just makes you better,” Ostendorf said. “You remember the feeling when you don't get that clutch hit or you don't make that defensive play. It's going to propel them forward for sure.”

What's Next for the Comets?

With three seniors departing, North Polk will look to its returning talent to build on this season's success. The Comets have established themselves as a perennial state tournament contender, and the experience gained in Fort Dodge should pay dividends in 2027.

The Class 4A state championship game is set for Thursday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Rogers Park in Fort Dodge. The winner of Wednesday's later games will face off for the title.

Remaining Class 4A Schedule

Here's the rest of the tournament action from Wednesday, July 22:

• No. 1 ADM vs. No. 4 Western Dubuque – 12:30 p.m.
• No. 2 Carlisle vs. No. 3 Fort Dodge – 2:45 p.m.
• If necessary: ADM vs. Western Dubuque – 5 p.m.
• If necessary: Carlisle vs. Fort Dodge – 7:15 p.m.

This article was adapted from reporting by Eli McKown of the Des Moines Register.