Commentary from Sports Editor Tim McGovern, on the road at the state softball tournament in North Mankato.

It was mere seconds after Chaska’s softball team lined up to shake hands with the conquered Eagles of Totino-Grace on Thursday’s state softball opener.There they are: Contrary to some fans' opinions, there are other players on Chaska's softball team besides Brynne Dordel (second from left).

“Chaska’s overrated!” shouted a gray-haired man in sunglasses. “They have the pitcher, and that’s all!”

Out of the mouths of baby boomers.

Sure, Hawk ace Brynne Dordel gave up just two hits and struck out 15 batters, but pitching was just a part of the victory.

The Hawk fielders, which have not had much action all season thanks to Dordel’s dominance, executed a play that saved the game for the Hawks.

Totino’s (ahem, pitcher) Anne Conley laced a two-out double to the fence in right field. The runner chugged to second base and made the turn for third. Hawk outfielder Ari Althoff chased down the ball and fired to teammate Simone Parcells at second base. Parcells then zinged the ball to Brittany Butcher at third base, who put on a tag to end the inning.

“That defensive play was the momentum-changer,” Hawk coach Joe Coenen said after the game. “That really got us going.”

Kelsey Kalkman – with Dordel, Chaska’s ‘other’ All-State player – led off the seventh inning with a double. Dordel then drew a walk. Mara Litzer then followed with a game-winning single to score courtesy runner Allie Klein.

 So: there are other players on Chaska’s team. Opposing fans just may not know that yet.