Pair of Mid-Missouri softball teams punch tickets to state championship

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KMIZ)

A pair of Mid-Missouri softball teams each made program history, on Thursday afternoon.

Rock Bridge and Tolton both punched their tickets to the MSHSAA state championship game with wins in the semifinal round. For each program, that title game appearance will mark the first time they have made back-to-back state championship game appearances.

The Bruins got it done courtesy of an 8-6 win over Grain Valley in the head coach Lisa Alvis and company's fourth Final Four appearance in seven seasons.

The historic win for the team was also highlighted by some personal history for senior Ava Bush. The Alabama commit knocked out her 56th career home run in the first inning to claim the state of Missouri's home run crown. Bush now has the most career home runs in MSHSAA history, passing up her former teammate Addie Morris for the state record.

Another Bush sibling showed up big at the dish on Friday, as well, though. Hayden Bush ended the state semifinal win with a team-best three RBIs on one hit.

Rock Bridge will battle for its second state title win since 2020 on Friday morning against Raymore-Peculiar. First pitch is set for 10 a.m. at Meador Park.

Tolton secured it spot in the title game in a dominant 12-0 win over Windsor, on Thursday afternoon.

Blazers star Bella Trim got it done for head coach Taylor Bartlett and company both at the dish and in the circle. The Lindenwood commit tossed a one-hitter against the Greyhounds, tallying 15 strikeouts in a complete-game shutout. Meanwhile, at the plate, Trim went 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

Trim's teammate Montana Strobel also finished with the co-team high two RBIs in the win over Windsor.

The Trailblazers will square off with Kearney in the Class 4 title game on Friday at 12:45 p.m. at Meador Park.