Today is the start of the WIAA Spring State Baseball tournament at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton. The Division 1 quarterfinals and semifinals are on today’s schedule.
Hartford (17-8) and Verona (21-7) open today’s action at 8 AM. Hartford is back for the 2nd straight year and 4th time in school history. The Orioles have never won a gold ball. Verona is making the schools first trip to state.
Neenah (18-8) takes on Kenosha Braford (21-5) in the second game of the morning session. Neenah is back at state for the first time since 1990. The Rockets are making their 8th trip overall and hold one (1972) state championship. Bradford is to state for the 2nd time. Their only trip was back in 2008 when they won it all.
Appleton North (21-4) and Wausau West (21-4) open the afternoon session. West has never won state. This will be their 8th appearance overall with the most recent coming in 2008. North is making the schools first trip to state.
The last quarterfinal matchup is between Eau Claire North (20-3) and Reedsburg (17-8). North will be looking for the schools first gold ball in this their 10th appearance. They were last at state in 2009 when they lost in the semifinals. Reedsburg makes it to state for the first time since 1973 and 4th time in school history. They will also be looking for their first title.
Semifinal #1 is set for 6 PM with semifinal #2 to follow. Wednesday is the Division 2, 3, and 4 semifinals.