Cascade’s Tucker blasts two home runs in state quarterfinal win

FORT DODGE - Lisa Tucker doesn't usually have 'power-hitting” on the resume she's built for herself at Cascade, but she might want to think about adding it.

Tucker didn't shirk her role as the field general from behind the plate on defense, but she did accept the role given to her on offense. The sophomore catcher crushed two home runs and totaled four RBIs to propel the Cougars past North Union, 9-4 on Tuesday at Rogers Sports Complex in the Class 2A quarterfinals.

A 2-for-3 night from Tucker was just what Cascade needed in its first appearance at the state tournament since 1994.

'It gives me a lot of confidence, especially at the state tournament,” Tucker said. 'It's like a dream come true to hit two home runs in a game and I'm just excited beyond belief.”

The Cougars (23-10) picked apart the Warriors' (33-10) defense early. Cascade sophomore Laura Kremer put the Cougars on the board first with a one-run double to right field, followed by a single to left from Riley Takes. That's when Tucker took over to give Cascade a quick 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.

Cougars coach Ken Weber said he finally saw the team reach its peak confidence during regional play and wasn't surprised when it carried over to the state tournament.

'We earned to be here,” Weber said. 'We told them the atmosphere when you're here; it's going to be great competition. We have a great team all the way around that just has fun and is confident.”

Even though Tucker made the splash with two home runs, Kremer was a steady contributor. She was 3-for-3 with two doubles and two RBIs and set up more scorers on both of Tucker's blasts.

Weber moved Kremer around during the season from the fourth batter to the seventh, then back to fourth in the middle of the season. He said all it took for her confidence to raise was showing her how much she could positively impact the team.

'I said, ‘You've got great power, are a great hitter and I need you in that position,'” Weber said. 'Ever since I made that move, she's been very successful.”

Cascade will face IKM-Manning in the semifinals on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. on Mittera Field.

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