Avery Muellner struck out seven batters in a complete-game victory as Forest Lake topped White Bear Lake 7-2 in the Class 4A third-place game Thursday in North Mankato, capping a season the junior ace dubbed “a dream.”

The St. Thomas commit and 2025 East Metro Softball Player of the Year went 18-2 in the circle with a sub-0.90 earned-run average for a Rangers team that sat atop the state rankings throughout the spring.

It was a stellar campaign for anyone, let alone a hurler whose pitching future was at one point in question.

Muellner has been a star in the circle for Forest Lake dating back to her seventh grade season. But her sophomore pitching season was largely taken away by a small tear in her unlnar collateral ligament. The initial prognosis was that surgery was required. Then another route was presented, one flush with physical therapy.

That was the path for which Muellner opted. Countless appointments and therapy sessions followed. Muellner conceded with a laugh that the experience wasn’t always “fun,” but she maintained a trust in the process and herself.

“I was surrounded by really good people that wanted the best for me,” the junior said. “I think what kept me going is that I needed to fight for myself so I was able to pitch again.”

After helping the Rangers have another stellar season last spring, in no small part because of her efforts in the field and at the plate, Muellner was back dabbling on the rubber by the end of the campaign. She pitched in the club season and, this year — with former primary pitching mate Hannah Tong off to college — was the arm upon which Forest Lake relied this spring.

The results were sensational.

“This season was one of a kind. We were 21-1 going into the state tournament. That’s something that’s pretty hard to do. I just lean on all my teammates. We’re all close, so it’s a good time,” Muellner said. “Although it didn’t work out our way (Forest Lake fell 3-2 to Bloomington Jefferson in the semifinals), I’m still so proud of everyone.”

She’s excited for what’s to come, noting the Rangers have a young core of talent. Muellner has one more year of high school softball before playing collegiately in St. Paul alongside her dear friend, Forest Lake teammate Bella Dowdall.Only now does Muellner feel like she’s truly starting to hit her “groove” — a scary thought for opposing batters. Because all the dominant physical tools are meshing with a mind freed by sheer opportunity.

“I feel more grateful every time I’m out there because you never know when things can happen,” Muellner said. “It made me stronger. If someone gets a hit, it’s just whatever. They’re going to get hits. It’s just how you fight back and respond.”