After playing through six scoreless innings, the Chippewa Falls softball team broke out for three runs in the top of the seventh inning, earning a 3-0 win over Appleton East Friday night in a WIAA Division 1 state semifinal.

Chippewa Falls' Andie Bronstad snapped a 0-0 tie in the seventh inning by scoring on a groud ball from teammate Megan Schnobrich, giving the Cardinals a 1-0 lead. After a walk to load the bases, Mikayla Hogan drove in two more runs with an RBI single, staking Chi-Hi to a 3-0 lead.

After tossing a one-hit shutout in Chippewa Falls' quarterfinal win against Greenfield, pitcher Kendra Bowe again went the distance for the Cardinals. Bowe gave up just four hits and struck out four to pick up her second shutout of the day, making it the fifth-straight game the Cardinals haven't allowed a run.

With the victory, the Cardinals advance to Saturday's state title game against Stevens Point Area High School. The title game will be the second in four seasons for Chippewa Falls. The championship game is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m.