Centennial and Maple Grove met for the fifth straight year in the Class 4A, Section 5 championship game, trading wins in the first four meetings. But this time Centennial repeated as Section 5 Champions with a 1-0 win at Centennial High School on Thursday afternoon. The close game was nothing new for the Northwest Suburban Conference foes with their last five games decided by just one run a piece.
Helene Krage pitched a no-hitter for the Cougars but struggled in the first inning, walking three batters before getting out of the inning unscathed. Krage settled in and completed the game with 13 strikeouts and gave up just one more walk earning the win. Crimson junior pitcher Maddie Whilm matched the early pitching dual and added nine strikeouts of her own, allowing just two hits in the contest.
A pair of doubles by Centennial seniors Alex Just and Bryn Ruhberg in the bottom of the fourth inning were the difference, with Ruhberg earning the RBI.
Centennial advances to next week's state tournament for the third time since 2018.