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Demon softball 1 win away!
Washington bashes Midland, gets revenge on Central Lee
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
WASHINGTON — If the Washington softball team’s goal this postseason is to right the wrongs of the past, the Demons have done exactly what they’ve aimed to do so far.
Through two games in Class 3A’s Region 5 tournament, the Demons have been simply dominant, crushing Midland 22-0 in just four innings on Wednesday before getting payback on Central Lee for last year’s loss with a 10-0 skunking on Saturday.
“I think it was really good for our confidence going into these playoffs,” said senior Halle Cuddeback. “We always know we’re the better team in these situations, but it’s always good to come out and show that.”
Washington went crazy at the plate on Wednesday, scoring 10 runs in the first inning, seven in the second and five in the third. The Demons needed just three at-bats to put up over 20 runs.
Ella Greiner went off in the win, going 3-for-4 with a double and five RBIs. Alyvia Anderson had two hits, including a double of her own, and knocked in three, and Bella Salazar and Cuddeback combined to shut Midland down, allowing only two hits between the two.
That led to Saturday’s grudge match between the hosting Demons and the team that ended their dream in the regional semifinals last season.
“They beat us last year, so I think we’re fueled up,” said Leighton Salazar. “We’re all pretty excited.”
On Saturday, Washington kept the train moving. The Demons put up one run in the second, eight in the third and one in the fourth to end what looked like a classic in the making a full three innings early.
“I’m extremely proud of our girls,” said Coach Ben Obermann. “They’re a good team, and we knew we would have to be the best version of ourselves to come away with a win.”
Washington celebrated a fourth-inning walk-off winner by ripping up a picture the team had used for motivation. It was a photo of Central Lee’s celebration on the Demons’ home field last summer, almost exactly one year prior.
“We’ve been preparing for this moment for so many years,” Ella Greiner said. “Last year we fell short, and tonight we just had all the energy and all the confidence we were going to win.”
Bella Salazar again dominated in the circle, giving up just one hit over four innings. Mackenzie Messer finished the game with two hits, including a double, nd two RBIs. Cuddeback, Leighton Salazar was 2-for-3 with a triple and two RBIs, and Ella Greiner had two RBIs as well.
“It’s awesome to see all of us working together, and all of us trusting each other,” said Anderson. “Especially the younger girls coming up and stepping up for the team.”
Now, the second-seeded Demons (28-9) will take on Assumption (24-13) with the chance to finally make it up to Fort Dodge.
Washington will play at Assumption at 7 p.m., on Tuesday night.
“I think we just need to trust ourselves and not put too much pressure on ourselves,” said Colbie Greiner. “We’re definitely the underdogs. We have nothing to lose.”
