Wahlert Catholic claims inaugural Iowa Class 3A softball title
Natalie Ruba sets tournament record with 16 RBIs as Wahlert Catholic secures first state championship in program history.
Wahlert Catholic has secured its first-ever Iowa Class 3A state softball championship, defeating Williamsburg 13-6 in the title game on Friday, July 24. The victory concludes a dominant campaign for the Golden Eagles, who finished the season with a 39-6 record, and marks the end of Williamsburg’s three-year dynasty in the division. The Raiders, who conclude their season as runners-up with a 41-7 record, had previously held the Class 3A crown for the past three consecutive years.
The match was defined by a historic offensive performance from junior Natalie Ruba, who delivered on her 17th birthday. Ruba hit two home runs and recorded seven runs batted in during the final, tying the Class 3A tournament record for RBIs in a single game. She finished the entire state tournament with 16 RBIs, shattering the previous mark of 11 set by Mackenzie Mohler of West Des Moines Valley in 2024.
Wahlert Catholic established control early, taking a 4-0 lead in the top of the first inning on a bases-loaded home run by Ruba into the center field bleachers. The Golden Eagles extended their advantage to 6-1 by the end of the second inning, aided by RBI hits from Addison Klein and Sadie Schultz. Ruba added to the pressure in the same frame with a home run over the left field wall, pushing the score to 9-1.
Iowa’s all-time home run leader, Julia Roth, contributed significantly to the offensive surge. Roth hit a two-run home run in the top of the third inning to make it 11-1 and added a solo shot to center field in the top of the sixth. Roth concluded her career with 77 home runs, describing the championship victory as a surreal and fitting end to her tenure with six seniors.
Williamsburg mounted a brief rally in the bottom of the fifth, cutting the deficit to 11-6 on an RBI single by Harper Meyers. However, Wahlert Catholic maintained its composure to secure the win. Hayley Lang added an RBI single in the top of the sixth to cap the scoring, ensuring the Golden Eagles held on for the 13-6 victory and cemented their place in state record books.
