Winona Cotter’s baseball squad captured its first state tournament victory since 2008, defeating Cannon Falls 15-5 in the Class AA quarterfinals.
After falling behind 5-0 in the early innings, the Cotters erupted with a 15-run outburst, fueled by strong performances from Will Peterson, who finished with three hits, and Vincent Frisch, who closed the game by pitching 5.2 scoreless innings.
Semifinal showdown
The victory propels Cotter into the semifinals, where they will meet St. Cloud Cathedral, a traditional powerhouse in Minnesota high school baseball.
St. Cloud Cathedral, based in the namesake city of St. Cloud, Minnesota, will test the Cotters’ momentum as they chase a berth in the championship game at Target Field.
Cannon Falls, the opponent from the quarterfinal, is slated to face Minnehaha Academy in the consolation bracket, while the winner of the semifinal will advance to the Class AA Championship game at Target Field.
The team’s recent surge reflects a broader resurgence of the Winona Cotter program, a fact highlighted by longtime supporters and local media outlets.
Key contributors such as Mathias O’Brien, Rawson Sullivan, KJ Kreidermacher, and Lewis Shira have also played pivotal roles throughout the tournament, adding depth to the roster.