They say the best things come to those who wait. Well, the Twin Cedars Softball Squad waited 44 years between State Tournament trips, and the Sabers are making the most of it.
Twin Cedars knocked off Martensdale-St. Mary’s on Wednesday night 7-2 as heard live on 92.1 KRLS to advance to Friday’s class 1A State Championship game. Twin Cedars struck first when Jetta Sterner led off the 3rd with a single. After a Brooke Roby walk, Grace Bailey helped herself out with a two RBI double, followed by Jillian French bringing in another run to make it 3-0. The Sabrs loaded the bases in the 4th, taking advantage of walks and errors from the Blue Devils. Ali Mockenhaupt hit a two RBI single to make it 5-0. Martensdale-St. Mary’s was able to plate two runs in the 6th to close the gap to 5-2, but Twin Cedars got two more insurance runs when French again stepped up with a single. The Sabers defense was also on point, as they turned two double plays, one to get out of an inning when Martensdale threatened. 2nd Baseman Chloe Durian, who was apart of both twin killings told KNIA/KRLS Sports turning double plays is a big part of the defense.
Durian: “Definitely it’s very exciting to get a double play. I get a little nervous because I don’t want to mess up and give them extra bases, and I just have to remember to touch the bag.”
Coach Zack Dunkin told KNIA/KRLS Sports from pitching to the defense all nine players had a hand in the win on Wednesday.
Dunkin: “A lot of people point to our offense, and our offense is good, but Grace in the circle just makes big pitches when she needs to, and she relies on her defense behind her, and the defense really feeds off the offense.”
Twin Cedars will have a day to prepare for the biggest game in program history when the Sabers play for the class 1A State title against Southeast Warren. Twin Cedars lost to Southeast Warren near the end of the regular season. You can hear that game Friday night live on 92.1 KRLS beginning at 7:00.
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