Paul Stumpf photo

KAUKAUNA — The Kaukauna Galloping Ghosts softball team knocked off top-seed and previously undefeated Green Bay Preble 2-1 Thursday to earn a trip to the WIAA Division 1 state tournament for the fifth year in a row.

It took eight innings, but now the Ghosts hope to avenge their state semifinal loss a year ago and win their sixth state title overall and fourth in five years.

Kaukauna is the lone remaining undefeated team in the state at 25-0 heading into the tournament.

The Ghosts defeated Ashwaubenon 3-0 at home Wednesday to advance to Thursday’s sectional final.

BRACKETS

Kaukauna won its post season opener a week ago, defeating Bay Port 7-0.

The Ghosts’ last loss was to Milton in last year’s state semifinal game. The team was on a 108-game winning streak until that loss.

Kaukauna is hoping to return to the state tournament for the seventh time overall and for the fifth year in a row. They captured the gold trophy five times, including 2010, 201720212022 and 2023.

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2025 State Softball Tournament
Wednesday-Saturday, June 11-14
Goodman Diamond, Madison Wis.

DIVISION 1

Division 1 Quarterfinals – Wednesday, June 11
Game 1 – #2 Seed vs. #7 Seed  – 11 a.m.
Game 2 – #3 Seed vs. #6 Seed – approx. 1 p.m.
Game 3 – #1 Seed vs. #8 Seed – 4 p.m.
Game 4 – #4 Seed vs. #5 Seed – approx 6:30 p.m.

Division 1 Semifinal – Thursday, June 12
Game 5 – Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 – approx 7 p.m.

Division 1 Semifinal – Friday, June 13
Game 6 – Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 – 9 a.m.

Division 1 Championship – Saturday, June 14
Game 7 – Winner of Game 5 vs Winner of Game 6 – approx 6:30 p.m.



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By Dan Plutchak

Corrections and updates: news@kaukaunacommunitynews.com Dan Plutchak, born and raised in Kaukauna, is cofounder of Kaukauna Community News.