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Regina came up just short in its bid for a return trip to the state tournament falling to fourth-ranked Northeast 2-1 on Monday in the Class 2A, Region 7 title game in Goose Lake.

Eighth-grader Madison Kluever hit a two-run home run and tossed a complete game three-hitter as Northeast (19-2) advanced to the state tournament for the first time in program history.

Northeast stretched its winning streak to 11 with the win and will face sixth-ranked Central Springs (17-3) in a 2A state quarterfinal on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.

Regina closed its season at 9-14.

The Regals entered seeking its fifth state tournament appearance in six season and first since 2018 but were limited to a run on three hits by Kluever.

Regina took an early lead when Emma Nibaur doubled with two outs in the first inning and scored on an RBI single to right field by Baylee O’Connor.

Kluever put the Rebels on top 2-1 with a two-out, two-run home run in the second that provided all the offense Northeast would need.

Regina had just one hit in the final six innings, a one-out single by Nibaur in the fourth.

Kluever retired the final 11 batters she faced while improving her season record to 18-2, striking out nine and walking one.

Nibaur took the loss despite continuing her strong postseason. She allowed two runs on five hits, struck out two and didn’t walk a batter in six innings.

Regina             100  000  0  –  1  3  1

Northeast       020  000  x  –  2  5  0

W – Madison Kluever            L – Emma Nibaur

2B – ICR: Emma Nibaur

HR – NE: Madison Kluever

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