Williamsburg advances to state softball for 5th straight year with balance and a ‘collective effort’

WILLIAMSBURG— Even though the result was the same, this year’s run to the state tournament has been different for the Williamsburg softball team.

“This year has been more of a collective effort, we did it as a team, and everyone has stepped up and made plays,” Williamsburg coach Adam Berte said.

The second-ranked Raiders’ balanced attack was evident Tuesday night as No. 9 hitter Makenna Hughes led the charge in a 6-2 win over Chariton in a Class 3A regional final.

Hughes’ double in the third ignited a four-run inning for the Raiders. She also scored a run in the sixth on a sacrifice fly to left field.

Whenever Hughes has reached base this season, it has been a time for the Raiders to be aggressive.

“She’s a terror,” Berte said.

Hughes’ speed has led to 48 stolen bases, which ranked third in Class 3A coming into the game.

The Chargers posed the first scoring threat with a leadoff double from Addie McGee to start the game. McGee had two doubles Tuesday.

The game remained scoreless until the third when the Raiders rallied to score four with small ball.

After Hughes’ double, the bunting show began.

Four straight well-executed bunts and two Chariton errors made the score 4-0 after three.

Carly Rich knocked in a run on a double in the fourth.

Chariton’s Lucy Stratton connected on a two-RBI double to cut the lead to 5-2 in the sixth and was thrown out trying to advance to third.

In a game filled with very few strikeouts, Williamsburg’s defense played a pivotal role in reducing the Chargers’ scoring threats.

After a leadoff single in the top of the seventh from Mckenzie Snook, three straight flyouts ended the game, the last to pitcher Jersey Metz.

“Jersey has been great for us this season and the defense did a good job of making plays behind her tonight,” Berte said.

The Raiders head to Rogers Sports Complex in Fort Dodge next week looking to defend their state championship, but will bring the same mindset they have had all season.

“Our tough schedule has gotten us ready for this and we don’t have to do anything different,” Berte added.

Williamsburg 6, Chariton 2

Class 3A Regional Final, at Williamsburg

Chariton 000 002 0 — 2 4 3

Williamsburg 004 101 — 6 7 0

Lucy Stratton and Addie McGee. Jersey Metz and Ashlynn Fuhrman. W --Metz (21-6) . L — Stratton (16-9).