J-Hawks’ bats on an uptick

Seven years have passed since Cedar Rapids Jefferson last won a first-round game at the state softball tournament.

The reason has generally been an inability to hit against quality pitchers.

Tuesday, the J-Hawks did more than sweep the top-ranked team in Class 5A (they knocked off Iowa City West, 7-4 and 8-4). They provided hope that they could get the job done offensively in a big game.

Coach Brian Erbe credits experience and weight training.

'The fact that we have five seniors, that plays a major role,” Erbe said. 'And the commitment to weights, that helps a lot. The girls lift at 6 in the morning Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.”

Jefferson has traditionally been a team oriented around pitching and defense. This year's edition can hit, too.

The J-Hawks' team batting average of .382 ranks third in 5A. Its 33 home runs are second most, in any class.

Five players are hitting better than .400, led by Hannah Towns at .521. Maddie Hansen is at .500 and leads the team in home runs (eight) and RBIs (32).

Erin Kuba is hitting .466, Avery Guy .461 and Taylor Holub .405.

'The girls understand the mental approach to hitting,” Erbe said. 'They talk about adjustments during the game. They're locked in, in tune with making changes and receptive on how they set up in the (batter's) box.”

It's common for a Jefferson batter to jog back from first base after making an out, then take a moment to talk to the next batter before continuing to the dugout.

'It's usually something like saying to stay off the inside pitch, or don't take the first pitch because it's the best pitch you're going to get,” Erbe said. 'They like to help each other out and tip each other off.”

Jefferson is 25-6 overall, 17-3 in the Mississippi Valley Conference and ranked No. 5 in 5A.

ALL WRAPPED UP

Both divisions in the Wamac Conference and both divisions in the River Valley Conference have been decided.

Benton Community (35-1, 12-0) is the champion of the Wamac West while Solon (31-3, 12-0) reigns again in the Wamac East. Those teams are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in Class 3A.

In the River Valley, Northeast (27-2, 10-0) is the North Division champion and Mid-Prairie (20-10, 10-1) owns the South title.

REGIONALS BEGIN MONDAY

The postseason series opens Monday with first-round games in Class 2A and Class 1A.

Tournaments begin Wednesday in 3A, and Thursday in 5A and 4A. Regional finals are July 13 in the smaller three classes, July 14 in the larger two.

The state tournament is July 20-24 at the Rogers Sports Complex, Fort Dodge.

l Comments: (319) 368-8857; jeff.linder@thegazette.com