Area softball: No. 1 Pepin 16, No. 4 Independence/Gilmanton 1 (5 innings)

The Lakers' offense dominated the story Tuesday night in Pepin, scoring eight and six runs in the third and fourth innings, respectively. Independence also committed a total of five errors in the Division 4 regional game.

"We just bounced back from our season ending loss against Spring Valley," Pepin coach Matt Bellerive said.

Kayla Meixner led Pepin, going 3-for-4 with a double and three RBI. Tasha Heit, Ali Murray, and Tana Prokosch all collected two hits and an RBI in the contest. One of Murray's hits was a double.

Breanna Ellison hit a home run in the eight-run third inning.

"She had been in a little bit of a slump," said Bellerive, who estimated the home run cleared the fence by 35 feet. "It was nice seeing her get back on track."

Ellison also started in the circle, going five innings, giving up one earned run and striking out seven.

Pepin (19-2 overall) advanced to the regional championship game Thursday night at home. It will square off against Cochrane-Fountain City and the game is scheduled for 5 p.m.

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