Anoka’s Makayla Zimmer hit a home run on the second pitch of the game, and the rout was on from there as the Tornadoes cruised past Forest Lake 12-0 to force a second game in the Class 4A, Section 7 championship.

Junior pitcher Amber Elliott threw six shutout innings while striking out 10, and also hit a home run for Anoka (22-4), ranked No. 4 in the Class 4A coaches’ poll. 

The Rangers (17-7) defeated the Tornadoes 4-3 earlier in the playoffs in eight innings on May 28, and Anoka coach Toni Jesinoski said the difference Thursday was in how her players approached their pregame preparations. 

“We had a good practice on Tuesday, and we did a little mental focus preparing,” Jesinoski said.

A mantra of accountability also played a role in the Tornadoes’ near-perfect execution in Game 1. 

“Our motto was get your job done,” Jesinoski said. “Do your job, your teammates will do their job, and the coaches will do our job."

Alyssa Wicks went 5-for-5 for Anoka, and Alexis Tonsager had two RBI in the win. 

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