The Gothenburg Swedes softball team begins their quest for a state championship today as the state softball tournaments open up in Hastings. The Swedes are the second seed in the Class C state tournament, a field that includes Fairbury, Guardian Angels Central Catholic, Arlington, Fillmore Central/Exeter Milligan, Wahoo, Raymond Central, and Ashland-Greenwood. Gothenburg will take on Raymond Central today in their first round contest. If the Swedes win, they’re off until tomorrow. If they should lose, they will play an elimination game against the loser of the Wahoo vs Guardian Angels Central Catholic contest. Gothenburg is making their first trip to the state softball tournament since 2008. They have a 1-6 record all-time at state in three trips and have never placed.

UPDATE: 11:15 PM: Gothenburg defeated Raymond Central 1-0 in first round play today.