The Sioux Falls Washington Warriors are on a mission. Fueled by the sting of last season's state championship loss, they've stormed out of the gate in 2026 with a perfect 6-0 record, looking every bit like a team determined to finish the job this time.

Rather than moving on from their defeat to Sioux Falls Jefferson, the Warriors have used it as their driving force. The hard work in the offseason is paying off, with both players and head coach Kim Bazata noting a significant leap in their performance. "We're seeing the ball better than we have the past couple years," Bazata said, highlighting a more disciplined offensive approach. "We're taking pitchers deep into counts and wearing them out."

That refined offense was on full display during the Spring Scramble tournament. Washington was nothing short of dominant, securing three commanding victories in two days. They shut out Northern Cass (ND) 12-0, handled Eden Prairie (MN) 13-3, and capped the weekend with a 20-6 rout of St. Louis Park (MN).

The weekend belonged to Maddy Mescher, who delivered a spectacular all-around performance. At the plate, she was a force, going 7-for-10 with two home runs, two doubles, and a staggering 11 RBIs. She also showcased her prowess in the circle, earning the win against Eden Prairie by striking out eight batters. "I was just trying to time up the pitches... really just read them," Mescher said of her hot streak.

With this kind of explosive start, the Warriors are sending a clear message to the rest of Class AA. The combination of potent hitting, strategic at-bats, and clutch pitching makes them an early favorite as they continue their pursuit of the state title that narrowly eluded them a year ago.