Wahlert Catholic Crushes Williamsburg for First-Ever Iowa State Softball Title
FORT DODGE – In a historic performance that will be remembered for years, Wahlert Catholic captured its first Iowa high school state softball championship Friday, July 24, with a commanding 13-6 victory over three-time defending champion Williamsburg at the state tournament.
Junior Natalie Ruba delivered a performance for the ages, smashing two home runs and driving in seven runs in the title game alone. Over the entire state tournament, Ruba amassed 16 RBIs, shattering the previous record of 11 set by West Des Moines Valley's Mackenzie Mohler in 2024. The feat was especially sweet as it came on Ruba's 17th birthday.
“I don't know where it came from,” Ruba said. “But it happened and I'm glad it did.”
How the Golden Eagles Built Their Lead
Wahlert Catholic wasted no time asserting dominance. In the top of the first inning, with the bases loaded, Ruba launched a grand slam into the center field bleachers to give the Golden Eagles a 4-0 lead. After Williamsburg's Harper Meyers answered with an RBI single in the bottom half, Wahlert Catholic responded in the top of the second. Addison Klein singled and Sadie Schultz doubled, each driving in a run to push the lead to 6-1. Then Ruba struck again, blasting a three-run homer over the left field wall to make it 9-1.
In the top of the third, Iowa's all-time home run leader Julia Roth joined the fireworks with a two-run shot to center, extending the lead to 11-1. Roth finished the game with two home runs and three RBIs, capping one of the most storied careers in Iowa high school softball history.
Williamsburg's Rally Falls Short
Williamsburg, winners of the last three Class 3A titles, mounted a small rally in the bottom of the fifth to cut the deficit to 11-6, but the Golden Eagles answered back. In the top of the sixth, Roth crushed a solo home run to center, and Hayley Lang added an RBI single to seal the 13-6 victory.
“It's a surreal feeling for all of us,” Roth said. “There's six seniors and we gave it everything we had. This is a great way to go out.”
What This Means for Iowa High School Softball
Wahlert Catholic finishes the season with a 39-6 record, while Williamsburg ends as state runner-up at 41-7. Roth concludes her career as Iowa's all-time home run leader with 77 career home runs, a mark that may stand for years.
The victory marks a changing of the guard in Class 3A, ending Williamsburg's three-year reign and establishing Wahlert Catholic as a new powerhouse in Iowa high school softball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 Iowa state softball championship?
Wahlert Catholic defeated Williamsburg 13-6 to win the Class 3A state title, the first in program history.
What records were set in the championship game?
Junior Natalie Ruba set a state tournament record with 16 RBIs, breaking the previous mark of 11. She also tied the Class 3A single-game record with seven RBIs in the title game.
How many home runs did Julia Roth hit in her career?
Roth finished her high school career as Iowa's all-time home run leader with 77 home runs.