Back at State for third time in last five years the Oskaloosa Bears softball team hit the diamond in Manhattan on Thursday and opened the 3A State tournament with a tough 4-1 win over Hays-TMP. 

TMP struck first in the contest plating a run in the top of the second inning and it remained 1-0 until Oskaloosa broke through in the bottom of the fourth with a run to tie the game. The Bears then took the lead with another run coming in the bottom of fifth and added a pair of insurance runs in the sixth going on to secure the 4-1 win. 

Despite being out-hit 8-4 in the contest Oskaloosa made the best of their opportunities to earn the win and got a strong showing in the circle by Brylie Bassett who gave up only one run on the day. 

The win moves Oskaloosa to 20-3 on the season and into the 3A State tournament Semifinals on Friday, May 25th to play the top seed Haven who beat Riverton 10-5 in the first round. Semifinal contest is set for 11:00am in Manhattan.