By SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
INMAN, Kan. — Tina Broomfield inherited a softball program that already knew what it felt like to play deep into May.
Now, in her first season leading the Inman Teutons, she is helping guide them back to that stage.
No. 4 seed Inman (24-2) will face No. 5 St. Mary’s Colgan (24-3) at 11 a.m. Monday in the Class 2-1A state quarterfinals at Trusler Sports Complex in Emporia. The winner advances to play at 11 a.m. Thursday at Arrocha Ballpark in Lawrence against either No. 1 Dexter/Cedar Vale (27-2) or No. 8 Central Heights (20-7).
The third-place game is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday. The state championship game is scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday.
For Broomfield, the opportunity is meaningful on multiple levels.
“Personally, it is a huge honor to be a part of this program and the Inman community,” Broomfield said. “These girls have worked so hard all season, and to see them continue to succeed is such a joy. It’s a privilege to be part of their journey.”
This is Inman’s third straight trip to the state tournament. The Teutons finished fourth in 2024, then reached the Class 2-1A championship game last season before falling 8-1 to Oskaloosa and ending the year 24-2.
Inman is 24-2 again, but the Teutons are hoping for a different ending.
The state appearance is the sixth in program history and third straight after Inman ended a 14-year state tournament drought in 2024. The Teutons also finished as state runner-up in 2007.
Broomfield said the returning players understand what the last few seasons have meant to the program.
“I cannot speak for them, but they have put the work in and they are proud of the successes,” Broomfield said. “For them to be able to equate hard work with success is a great learning experience. They have grown as young ladies and softball players. They continue to fulfill and exceed my expectations.”
Inman earned its latest state trip with a dominant regional run.
The Teutons opened regional play with a 19-3 win over Hutchinson Trinity Catholic, then beat Medicine Lodge 7-1 in the semifinals. Inman secured the championship with an 11-0 run-rule victory over Ashland/South Central on Wednesday in Inman.
The title game was scoreless through two innings before the Teutons broke it open with four runs in the third and seven more in the fourth. Inman finished with nine hits and took advantage of six errors.
Taylor Froese went 2 for 3 with three RBIs and a run scored. Sharley Leonhardt went 2 for 2 with a double, an RBI and two runs. Ellie Thimmesch had a hit and two RBIs, while Adi Alcala drove in two runs.
Lyla Levin threw five hitless innings, striking out six and walking two.
The performance continued a season-long trend for Inman, which has outscored opponents 328-40. The Teutons went 16-0 in Heart of America League play to win the league title. Their only losses came to Class 3A state qualifier Haven and Hesston, with the Hesston loss coming 3-2 in extra innings.
Broomfield said the Teutons’ identity is easy to describe.
“Tenacious yet fun loving,” Broomfield said. “They understand softball is a game and we must have fun first, but also are such competitors. There is no quit.”
That balance has helped Inman produce one of the best seasons in program history.
The Teutons opened the season by sweeping Hillsboro, then followed with sweeps of Bennington, Skyline, Moundridge, Ell-Saline, Marion and Sedgwick. Inman’s first loss came April 30 in an 8-4 game against Haven, but the Teutons responded by sweeping Hutchinson Trinity Catholic, Sterling and Remington.
After the extra-inning loss to Hesston on May 12, Inman responded again with a 17-4 win in the second game of the doubleheader.
That ability to bounce back is part of what Broomfield believes has carried the Teutons into state.
“The cohesiveness stands out,” Broomfield said. “No matter their role, each of them have embraced each other, and it’s a true unbreakable circle. To see the older girls tutor the younger makes for such a proud moment as their coach.”
Levin has been one of Inman’s leaders in the circle and at the plate. The junior is 14-2 with a 0.77 ERA, 162 strikeouts and 99 innings pitched. She is also hitting .414 with two home runs, 34 RBIs and 40 runs scored.
Alexis Noone has added a 9-0 record in the circle with a 1.09 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 38 1/3 innings.
Froese has been one of Inman’s top offensive threats, hitting .526 with 36 RBIs and 36 runs scored. Alcala, a senior shortstop, is hitting .485 with 29 runs and 21 RBIs. Maddi Parsons is hitting .462 with 26 RBIs and 55 runs scored. Thimmesch is hitting .373 with four home runs, 41 RBIs and 43 runs.
Broomfield said leadership has come from several parts of the roster.
“Adi Alcala, senior, is a leader in every way,” Broomfield said. “Marlee Ballard, Taylor Froese, Lyla Levin, Alexis Noone, Ellie Thimmesch, juniors, have been instrumental in our success offensively and defensively. Sharley Leonhardt and Maddi Parsons, sophomores, have been key in their roles and play beyond their years. Freshmen Ella Holzman and Lilah Sawyer have contributed significantly, and I’m so excited to see them continue to grow.”
That depth will matter Monday against St. Mary’s Colgan, another tradition-rich program carrying a strong record into the state tournament.
Broomfield said Inman is not focused on the name across the bracket as much as the way the Teutons play.
“I feel extremely confident regardless of who we face,” Broomfield said. “I have told these girls all season they can compete with anyone, and they have proven that. We will be ready to give our all on both sides of the ball.”
Inman will be part of a new postseason format that splits quarterfinal sites before sending semifinalists to Lawrence. Broomfield said the late notice on location created some challenges, but the Teutons are adjusting.
“It’s definitely different,” Broomfield said. “Not knowing until last night does make preparations more difficult, but we adapt and will be ready for Monday.”
For Inman to extend its season, Broomfield said the formula does not need to change.
“They just need to do what they have done all season,” Broomfield said. “Be aggressive yet disciplined at the plate, keep errors to a minimum and strong effective pitching.”
Those traits have taken Inman through league play unbeaten, through regional play with three wins and back to a state tournament where many of the Teutons already know what the final day feels like.
Now they get another chance.
Broomfield said she is looking forward to the moment as much as the game itself.
“I’m excited to join them, watch them all play a game they love and just enjoy the moment,” Broomfield said.