Muscatine is enjoying the role of underdog as the seventh ranked Muskies take on conference rival and sixth ranked Pleasant Valley Wednesday afternoon in the 5A semifinals at the state softball tournament in Fort Dodge. Senior pitcher Maura Chalupa tossed a two-hitter in a 3-0 victory over second ranked Ankeny in Monday’s opening round.

Muscatine is looking to take the next step after falling to eventual state champ Waukee Northwest in last year’s semifinal round.

Top ranked Ankeny Centennial will play fourth rated Southeast Polk in the other 5A semifinal round game.