Highway 1 showdown highlights regional finals

Softball has been Gary Stamp's therapy this summer, and he'd like nothing more than another good dose Wednesday.

"It's been good medicine," said Stamp, the Mount Vernon High School softball coach who was diagnosed in March with Stage IV lung cancer but has shown improvement in recent months. "It's been a fun, rewarding summer, and the kids have kept me energized.

"I just hope the ride continues."

No. 13 Mount Vernon takes a 15-game winning streak into Wednesday's Class 3A regional final against No. 4 Solon in the area's highlight game as the state-tournament brackets are filled in all four classes.

First pitch of the Highway 1 battle is 7 p.m. at Solon.

The Spartans have been one of the state's biggest surprises. In Ben Sorden's first season, they've progressed from 18-14 to 32-7.

"To tell you the truth, I've been surprised how quickly the girls have come along," Sorden said. "They've stuck with my philosophy since Day 1. It's nothing magical. They just play softball.

"If we play our game, we'll beat Mount Vernon."

The teams split in a regular-season twin-bill.

Mount Vernon (34-6) is chasing its third straight state ticket, reversing Stamp's tough luck in regional finals.

"I'm two and ... two and a lot," he said. "I know there are too many in the 'L' column. I'm excited for this team to be back in the regional finals. It's not going to be an easy one. I hope we can hold them down and win a close ball game."

The state tournament is next week at the Rogers Sports Complex, Fort Dodge. Two area teams hope to get there for the first time.

Iowa City West (which hosts Des Moines Lincoln in a 4A game) and Monticello (which plays at Iowa City Regina in a 2A contest) are aiming for history.

"I think our game will be decided on which team can bunt the ball and play bunt defense," said West Coach Jeff Kelley, whose team is rated No. 5 in 4A.

In other area games, West Delaware faces Decorah in a 3A game at Cedar Falls, Mid-Prairie plays at Durant in 2A and Highland meets Des Moines Christian in a 1A contest at Grinnell.

Bad weather has pushed two regional finals back to Thursday.

Clear Creek Amana can advance for a state-high 32nd time if it does the expected and gets past Vinton-Shellsburg on Wednesday and Pella on Thursday in 3A. Both games are at McAreavy Field in Oxford.

Cedar Rapids Jefferson pursues its 20th state bid Thursday at Marshalltown against West Des Moines Dowling or Marshalltown in a 4A game.