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Minneapolis – Champlin Park Rebels are state champions.
No. 2-seed rebels closed No. 4 Bloomington Jefferson, 6-0, in the class AAAA Minnesota High School Girls’ Softball Championship Game Friday morning at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium at Campus at the University of Minnesota.
Marissa Rothenberger celebrates in Dugout with teammates after Champlin Park’s dramatic victory. (Amber Harding)
Once again it was Junior Kande Marissa Rothenberger, a transidentifying male athlete who took the haug to Champlin Park and never gave it up. Rothenberger threw a closed closure that allows only three hits and struck six to secure the title. The performance uncovered a dominant tournament run, with Rothenberger beating all 21 laps across three games, giving up only two races in total and led the rebels to three equal victories.
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For the effort, Rothenberger was appointed team for all tournaments.
Trans Pitcher Never Left Haugen to Champlin Park
Rothenberger’s tournament began with a complete closure in the quarterfinals against No. 7-seeded Eagan, which allows seven hits and knocked out four in a 5-0 win. In the semi-finals, Champlin Park No. 6 White Bear Lake, 3-2, behind another complete game from Rothenberger, giving up two races (one deserved), struck out three and hit two crucial doubles-inclusive one that led to the game-winning race in the seventh.
Included the 14 shutout rings that Rothenberger broke up in the section final to help Champlin Park reach the state tournament in the first place, Junior allowed only two races over 35 laps to close the post -season.
Champlin Park’s second jug, Ava Abrahamson, was listed as a designated player throughout the tournament, but never came in as a jug.
Marissa Rothenberger threw a complete play closure in the quarterfinals Round of Minnesota Girls’ Softball State Tournament. (Amber Harding/Outkick)
State tournament so mixed feelings among spectators
Outside of the stadium on Friday morning, a small group of protesters gathered peacefully and held signs that read “Women deserve fair sports” and “Democrats to Section IX”, as significant Bipartisan resistance to the policies that enabled Rothenberger – a biological man – to compete in girls’ division.
Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) allows student athletes to compete in events based on gender identity, regardless of biological sex.
Attempts to talk to Champlin Park parents after the victory was largely falling. A parent, father of Junior Outfielder Ava parent, made a short comment.
“Glad to see rebels’ Bats come alive,” he said, referring to the team’s stronger offensive view compared to their close semi -final victory.
Another Champlin Park father, when asked for a comment, asked what outlets he would talk to. After hearing “Outkick,” he replied, “go and talk to the other side. I’m sure they have plenty to say to you.”
Champlin Park celebrates winning the state championship while Bloomington Jefferson looks at. (Amber Harding)
Trans pitcher hits 2 doubles, throwing another complete game to send teams to Minnesota State Championship
For Bloomington Jefferson parents, the loss was heartbreaking, but they were proud of Jaguars’ efforts throughout the tournament.
“It was tough, but what can you do? They follow the rules, whether we like it or not,” a father told Outkick.
Another Jefferson -Father said, “It was disappointing. I give the other team credit: they hit the sh*t out of the ball. But you can’t help but wonder how things could have gone with a straight game field.”
A third father emphasized his support to the girls, regardless of the end result.
“I’m very proud of the way our girls played this whole tournament,” he said. “We teach them sports and someone had to lose. This is a tough pill to swallow.”
A Jefferson -Mother decided to make the most of a tough situation.
“We exceeded expectations this season. No one expected us to be in the championship in the first place,” she said. “We must celebrate anyway.”
Champlin Park goes away with the title – leaving a conversation that is far from over.
