Champion takes care of business in district semifinal
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LEAVITTSBURG -- Another year, another district finals appearance for Champion. It's routine for the Golden Flashes at this point.
Champion made quick work of its opposition Tuesday, opting for a "business as usual" approach as the Flashes downed Berkshire 11-0 in a Division III LaBrae district semifinal matchup.
"I think we played our best game," senior Bella Meyer said. "I think we had a couple of good hits. We got runners when we needed to, Gabby (Gradishar) pitched a great game and we made the plays on defense when we needed to."
It was all Champion from the opening pitch as the Flashes sat Berkshire’s first three hitters, then added a trio of runs just minutes into the contest.
The onslaught continued inning after inning as the Flashes found gaps in the Berkshire infield with surgical precision, extending singles into doubles, and allowing for the team to methodically tack on more runs.
Meyer recorded four RBIs in the victory and had two hits, one of which was a two-run double.
Even when the Flashes found themselves in a jam, namely the third inning when Berkshire had two runners in scoring position stemming from a pair of hits, it didn’t last long and Champion ultimately escaped unscathed.
"We have all the faith in the world in Gabby and our defense and that’s what they did. ... You’re not always going to get everybody, but I’m very proud," Weaver said.
Gradishar finished the afternoon with a dozen strikeouts in the circle and two hits.
Sam Strock recorded a triple that scored two runners during Champion’s five-run fourth inning.
This is trip No. 3 for Meyer to the district final. The team's goals are loftier, but to reach those, you have to win at the district stage first.
"We just need to stay positive and keep it up," Meyer said. "I mean, it’s always exciting to be back in the district finals, so I think we’re ready. We want this."
The Flashes will take on Lakeview in the district final on Thursday. Champion took down the Bulldogs earlier in the season, 5-0. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. at LaBrae High School.
Having seen the Bulldogs just two weeks prior to Thursday’s tilt, there’s a sense of comfort in having an idea of what’s coming their way.
"When we played Lakeview, they threw I think three pitchers at us, so I think we have a good idea of what’s going to be coming our way," Meyer said.
To Weaver, it’s all about wanting it. They have the ability. If they have a game like they did against the Badgers, she’s confident in the result.
Things rarely fall apart for Champion, and Weaver isn’t ready for that to change.
"We just need to play (like we did against Berkshire)," Weaver said. "We have to want it. We have to have that desire. If you don’t have the desire and focus then that’s when things fall apart."
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