Wildcats claim first Class AAA championship

The Eagan softball team capped off its impressive 2008 season with the highest of all crowns Saturday afternoon, claiming the Class AAA State championship with a 14-1 drubbing of de facto host Mankato West in the title game at Caswell Park in North Mankato. It was the first State title for the Eagan girls, who were making the program's fifth tournament appearance and the first since 1996. After defeating Hopkins 3-0 in the tourney opener and surviving a nine-inning semifinal affair against Osseo — winning 3-2 as first baseman Emily Bodeker plated centerfielder Bree Blanchette with the game-winner — the Wildcats had little trouble with the Scarlets, needing just six innings to claim a 14-1 victory to clinch the title. Six Wildcats tallied two hits apiece, led by second baseman Paige Ashton, who went 2-for-3 with three runs batted in and two runs scored. Third baseman Kaylyn Korth was 2-for-4 with three runs batted in, with designated player Brittney Erdman going 2-for-4 with two RBI and two run scored in the final triumph. Eagan capped its season with a 21-2 overall record, with one loss coming in the regular season and one in the sectionals. Bodecker, Korth and pitcher Sara Moulton — who struck out 24, allowed seven hits and three earned runs in three tournament games — were named to the Class AAA All-Tournament Team.