Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Chloe Rolling of Carlisle beats a throw at third base against Dallas Center-Grimes on Monday in a Class 4A state quarterfinal. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

Playing in the heat of the day, Carlisle was able to punch another ticket to the state softball semifinals here Monday at Rogers Park.

Behind a five-run first, the Wildcats earned an 8-6 victory over Dallas Center-Grimes. Carlisle (35-8 overall) advances to face North Scott on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. on Iowa Central Field.

Addyson Eginoire, Amber Dougherty, Natalie Ramsey and Evan Johnson-Miers all had two hits for the Wildcats, who are making their 22nd appearance at state. Carlisle has won five state titles under head coach Jim Flaws, who now owns 1,261 career wins.

“We’ve got a great group of girls who are always keeping it upbeat in the dugout,” Johnson-Miers said. “They do a great job of motivating us and giving us energy.”

Thirty years ago this season, Carlisle captured a state title with Michelle Erb playing third base. That was the first of five crowns won under Flaws.

Now, her daughters, sisters Kaliyah and Alyvia Freeman, are part of a group of eight seniors leading the charge.

“It means a lot to continue that tradition,” Johnson-Miers said. “We are super excited to be playing in the semifinals and confident in what we can do.”

During the regular season, Carlisle topped Dallas Center-Grimes, 3-2, during its current 13-game win streak.

The Mustangs (32-9) now take on Norwalk Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. on Yankee Field. That game will mark the final one in the legendary career of head coach Steve Schlafke, who is retiring after 49 seasons and 1,378 wins.

CARLISLE 8, DALLAS CENTER-GRIMES 6

Carlisle 500 300 0 — 8 14 2

DC-Grimes 220 020 0 — 6 8 1

WP–Mallie Stoner (12-1, 6.2 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 1 K, 4 BB). LP–Aubrey Johansen (16-7, 3.1 IP, 11 H, 6 ER, 2 K, 2 BB).

HR–DC-G: Macee Reiling. 2B–C: Addyson Eginoire, Kaliyah Freeman; DCG: Macee Reiling, Summer Campbell, Aubrey Johansen. RBI–C: Delani Thompson, Logan Brown, Kaliyah Freeman (3), Evan Johnson-Miers (2); DCG: Aubrey Johansen (2), Macee Reiling (3).