Class 1A top-seeded and defending state champion BOLD (21-3) is looking to become the first school to win back-to-back titles since Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s accomplished the feat in 2006 and ’07. The Warriors, led by senior pitcher Logan Sandgren (15-0) are appearing in their third consecutive state tournament. … New York Mills (23-0) is the only unbeaten team in the tournament and the only other one making a return trip. Brandon Kupfer and Tyler Patron, both seniors, lead the way for the second-seeded Eagles. Kupfer is 9-0 with a 0.81 ERA and is hitting .612 with four home runs while Patron is 6-0 with a 0.87 ERA and is batting .493. … Third-seeded Chatfield (21-3) heads the group of six teams not in the field last season. Others are fourth-seeded New Life Academy (22-4), fifth-seeded Springfield (21-2), Ely (21-2), Red Lake County (20-5) and Royalton (12-10). New Life Academy is making its first state tournament appearance.

RON HAGGSTROM