By Chris Parker
Relentless.
That is the only way to describe Ash Grove’s offense in a dominant 17-4 win over Bernie in the Class 1statea semifinal round on Monday at Killian Sports Complex in Springfield.
Ash Grove scored in every inning in the game to slowly build its lead before putting up 11 runs over the final three innings to put the game out of reach.
“We heard they (Bernie) threw a lot of off-speed (pitches), so we wanted to sit back on that and attack the fastball. We did a really good job of that today. We also have been working all year to keep our hands back on off-speed (pitches). We are always looking fastball and reacting off-speed,” head coach Austin Tipton said.
While Ash Grove was strong swinging the bat, it was the Pirates’ patience that stood out most in the game. Ash Grove drew 13 walks in the game including three each for Ashlyn Gerla and Marrisa Andrus.
“They were picky on what they were hitting, which was great. It is what you want,” Tipton said. “They had a good understanding of the strike zone today and it showed.”
Sway Kenney and Chelsye Graham were the top run producers for Ash Grove in the win with five RBI for Kenney and four for Graham. Graham was the only player for Ash Grove not to score a run only because a courtesy runner took her place on the base paths both times she was on.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
While the offense was strong, Meagan Hawkins was equally as good in the circle going all seven innings allowing three earned runs with three strikeouts.
“She (Hawkins) is a bulldog out there,” Tipton said. “She has been the main pitcher for us all season. She has thrown in almost every game whether it is starting or relief.”
Hawkins was 3-for-5 at the plate as well.
Ash Grove (24-8) advances to face Concordia (29-2) in the program’s first appearance in a state title game. The Pirates are looking for the first girls team championship in school history.
“It doesn’t feel real if I am being honest. This is crazy. It is a dream come true. I never thought it would happen,” Hawkins said.
Ash Grove faces Concordia at 1:15 pm on Tuesday at Killian Sports Complex in Springfield.
Tipton’s message to his team heading into the game will be simple.
“We are senior-heavy. Half of our team is seniors,” Tipton said. “It is the last time we will get to play together as a team, so go out with a bang. Go win a state ring.”
