MADISON, WI- The 2025 WIAA Softball State Tournament is set to showcase some of the best talent in the state, and four programs, Kaukauna, Denmark, Lakeland, and Almond-Bancroft, are preparing for high-stakes battles as they pursue championship glory in their respective divisions.
Division 1: Kaukauna Looks to Continue Its Reign
The Kaukauna Galloping Ghosts are no strangers to postseason success. As the No. 2 seed in Division 1, they enter the state tournament as one of the favorites, having claimed five titles in their six previous appearances, including three straight from 2021 to 2023. This year’s road back to state was a tight one, as the Ghosts edged Green Bay Preble 2-1 in an eight-inning thriller during the Pulaski Sectional final.
Powered by a mix of veteran leadership and postseason poise, Kaukauna, champions of the Fox Valley Association, is aiming to extend its dynasty with a potential sixth state championship.
Division 2: Denmark Returns to State After Six-Year Absence
In Division 2, the Denmark Vikings are back at the State Tournament for the first time since 2018 and are hungry for more hardware. The No. 2 seed Vikings have a decorated past, boasting four state titles, including back-to-back Class B championships in 1982 and 1983.
Denmark secured its spot in the tournament by defeating perennial powerhouse and former champion Waupun 6-3 in the Winneconne Sectional final. Finishing second in the North Eastern Conference during the regular season, Denmark brings a balanced attack and postseason experience into its ninth overall appearance at state.
Division 2: Lakeland Makes Historic First Trip to State
Also in Division 2, the Lakeland Thunderbirds are writing a new chapter in program history with their first-ever state appearance. As the No. 3 seed, the Thunderbirds have relied on elite pitching and defense, allowing just one run across four postseason games. They punched their ticket to Madison with a 1-0 shutout over Rice Lake in the sectional final.
Despite finishing fourth in the Great Northern Conference during the regular season, Lakeland has peaked at the right time and enters the final four as a dangerous underdog with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
Division 5: Almond-Bancroft Returns After 40-Year Absence
In Division 5, the Almond-Bancroft Eagles have made a triumphant return to the state stage after a 40-year absence. Seeded second in the bracket, the Eagles are making just their third state appearance, and their first since 1984. Their postseason journey included a dominant 5-0 win over Three Lakes/Phelps in the sectional final played on their home field.
Almond-Bancroft finished second in the Central Wisconsin South behind Division 4 top-seed Pacelli, but they’ve carved out a postseason identity of their own with strong pitching and timely offense. The Eagles now seek their first state championship in program history.
Wednesday Schedule
Division 1 Quarterfinals – Wednesday, June 11
Game 1 – #2 Kaukauna vs. #7 Sun Prairie East – 11 a.m.
Game 2 – #3 Hamilton vs. #6 Oregon – approx. 1:30 p.m.
Game 3 – #1 Kenosha Bradford vs. #8 Cedarburg – 4 p.m.
Game 4 – #4 DC Everest vs. #5 Watertown – approx 6:30 p.m.
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