The Stevens Point Public Schools/Special Sports SPASH Panthers are heading to state.
The team advanced to the Wisconsin Special Olympics State Softball Tournament after winning the WSO District Division 2 tourney last weekend in Onalaska.
With Ray Tepp and Matt Anderson sharing the pitching duties, the Panthers held the Viroqua Eagles to only four runs and won the first game 17-4. The offensive attack of Ryan Royak, Steve Mence, Will Kessler, Ryan Rutka and Wendell Dietz led to double-digit runs.
In the second game, the Panthers shut down the La Crosse Panthers, 19-5. Coaches Dick Jones and Jeff Tepp said the Panthers defensive play led by Tina Doyle, Chad Hall, Marybeth Heath, Robert Lohman, Krystal Nadig and Rachael Cooney was the factor in the win over La Crosse.
The Panthers will travel to Eau Claire for the state tournament, which runs from August 6-8.