After Mother Nature delayed the start of the Class 3A State softball tournament the Oskaloosa Bears got things rolling on Friday in Manhattan and put together a run at State but ultimately finished just shy of the State title. The Bears wrapped up their season as the 3A State runner-ups with a 23-3 record, claiming their best State finish in school history. 

The State action in Manhattan opened up for the Bears in impressive fashion as they dispatched Lyons 11-1 in five innings using a nine run third inning to push themselves to the win. Paige Lowe led the Bears offense with two hits and three RBI's, while Haidyn Bassett registered two hits and earned the win in the circle. 

With the weather delaying the first day of action the action rolled along on Friday with the Semifinals after the first round contests and the Bears took on Southeast of Saline and once again controlled the game at State earning the 10-1 win. Scoring at least a single run in the first five innings the Bears worked Southeast of Saline to gain the win out-hitting them 12-6 in the contest. Tomi-Lyn Hickman, Raegan Hamm and Haidyn Bassett each had a three hit game for Oskaloosa, while Hickman had four RBI's. Bassett earned the win in the circle going all seven innings giving up one run on six hits and struck out 13. 

On to Saturday the action went for Oskaloosa as they looked to capture their first State softball title but Riverton stood in front of them and after a thrilling tight ballgame the decisive blow was delivered in the bottom of the 11th. With the game scoreless and into the 11th inning Riverton blasted a two-run home run to finish the game in the 11th and give them the 2-0 win over Oskaloosa in the 3A softball Championship. The game featured only eight hits between the two teams and stellar pitching as Bassett took the loss for Oskaloosa after pitching into the 11th inning and recording 17 strikeouts. 

Oskaloosa closed out the year with their best finish at State taking runner-up in Class 3A, while winning the Northeast Kansas League title and Regional title and posting a 23-3 record.