Dakota United wins 2022 Adapted Softball PI State Title

Dakota United, a co-op of seven high schools in Dakota County, completed a season of dominance with a 19-6 victory over Anoka-Hennepin in the PI Championship game of the Adapted Softball State Tournament on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at Chanhassen High School.

The Hawks (9-0) raced to a 12-1 lead into the fourth inning and didn’t look back in completing an undefeated season with its third victory over Anoka-Hennepin this season. It is the fifth state championship for Dakota United and third since 2016. The Hawks captured the PI crown in 2019, the last time the state tournament was held in person. The 2020 and 2021 events, respectively, were postponed because of the global pandemic. Dakota United also captured championships in 2006 and 2008.

Senior pitcher Indigo Jaworski was 4 for 4 with four runs scored to power Dakota United to its eighth victory of the season when the Hawks scored at least 12 runs in a game. Junior shortstop Fiona Sitzmann was 3 for 4 with two runs scored from the leadoff spot and was stellar on defense.

Dakota United scored six runs over the final two innings to secure its championship.

Anoka-Hennepin (7-3) closed to within 13-6 with five runs in the bottom of the fifth, but the Mustangs would climb no closer. Senior infielder Malachi Neal had a two-run home run in the fifth inning to help spark the Mustangs.

In the third-place game, Robbinsdale/Hopkins/Mound Westonka used a five-run sixth inning to rally past Rochester for a 13-9 victory. Sophomore infielder Nick Johnson was 4 for 4 to lead the Robins on offense. Junior outfielder William Adamson rapped out three hits and scored three times for the Raiders.