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Washington Evening Journal
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Hocker shines in expanded role; helps Williamsburg top Washington in 3A quarterfinal
Raiders advance to sixth-straight state semifinal
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
FORT DODGE — A key pinch runner last season in Williamsburg’s state championship run, Ava Hocker has become a productive hitter in the bottom of the Raiders’ lineup.
Although Hocker’s speed is still lethal, it was her bat that ignited the Raiders’ offense before a big sixth inning in a 7-2 Class 3A state softball quarterfinal win over Washington Tuesday at Rogers Park in Fort Dodge.
“I think it totally goes to show (coach) Berte’s process,” Hocker said of her development. “I started as a base runner but kept working hard. It has really worked out for me.”
After a scoreless first inning, Hocker smashed a triple into the outfield, bringing in the first two runs of the game.
In the fourth, Hocker’s double set up an RBI-double from Makenna Hughes giving Williamsburg a 3-2 lead.
Washington’s two runs came from a two-run blast from Colbie Greiner in the third.
After that, pitcher Jersey Metz allowed no hits and only one base runner.
“I was able to move it up and down and side to side in the zone,” Metz said. “I was just trying to stay laser focused.”
Metz held control in most at-bats allowing only one walk during the game. Part of that control is an unexpected changeup.
“It’s one of my best pitches, and being able to use it in any count helps a lot,” Metz said.
The Raiders had a hit in every inning and strung a few together with two outs in the bottom of the sixth.
With base runners on first and second, Carly Rich brought in two with a double. On the following at-bat, Alley Gorsh smashed a home run over left field for a 7-2 lead.
Gorsh went 4-for-4 at the plate in the game.
“I was really just looking for another single, honestly, because I knew they were getting me on base,” Gorsh said of her fourth hit. “It felt to good to help the team and bring in some runs.”
Metz retired the Demons in order in the top of the seventh to seal the win.
For the sixth-straight season, Williamsburg advances to the state semifinals.
“When you’re in junior high, you don’t think you can do this six times in a row,” Gorsh said of the continued success. “It’s an amazing feeling.”
Also still in play is a third straight state championship in 3A for the Raiders.
“Every year, the seniors are huge leaders for us,” Hocker said. “ It’s been passed down each year.”
Second-ranked Williamsburg (34-7) will face No. 5 Albia (29-3) in a 3A semifinal Wednesday at 4:45 p.m.
WILLIAMSBURG 7, WASHINGTON 2
(3A state quarterfinal, at Rogers Park)
Washington..... 0 0 2 0 0 0 0---2 4 2
Williamsburg.....0 2 0 1 0 4------7 10 0
