Staff Photo / Brian Jauger Champion Gabby Gradishar pitches during the team's win over Berkshire on Tuesday.
LEIBITSBURG — The champions made it to the regional finals again this year. At this point, that's the Golden Flash's daily routine.
On Tuesday, the champions attacked their opponents quickly, “Business as usual” approach as the Flashes defeated the Berkshires 11-0 in a Division III Rabelais regional semifinal matchup.
“I think we played our best game.” Senior Vera Meyer said. “I thought we had some good hits. We got runners on when we needed to, Gabby (Gradishar) pitched a great game and made plays on defense when we needed to.”
It was all championship from the first pitch, as the Flashes struck out Berkshire's first three batters and added three runs just minutes into the game.
The onslaught continued inning after inning, with the Flashes finding gaps in Berkshire's infield with surgical precision, stretching singles into doubles and allowing the team to methodically rack up more runs.
Meyer had four RBIs and two hits in the win, including a two-run double.
Even when the Flashes found themselves in trouble, in the bottom of the third inning when Berkshire had two hits and had two runners in scoring position, it didn't last long, and the champions ultimately escaped unscathed.
“We had all the faith in Gabby and our defense and they did it. … You can't always get everyone, but I'm very proud.” Weaver said.
Gradishar finished the afternoon with 12 strikeouts and two hits.
Sam Throck hit a triple to get two runners on in the bottom of the fourth inning with the Champs trailing five runs.
This will be Meyer's third trip to the district finals. The team has higher goals, but to reach them they must first win at the district stage.
“We just need to stay positive and keep it going.” Meyer said. “I mean, it's always exciting to go back to the district finals, so I think we're ready. We want this.”
The Flashes will play Lakeview in Thursday's district final. The champions defeated the Bulldogs 5-0 earlier in the season. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. at Rabelais High School.
Having watched the Bulldogs just two weeks before Thursday's tilt, it's a relief to know what's in store for them.
“When we played against Lakeview, they probably threw three pitchers at us, so I think we have a good idea of what to expect.” Meyer said.
For Weaver, it's just a matter of wanting it. they have the ability. If she can have a game like the one against the Badgers, she's confident in the outcome.
Things rarely fall apart for champions, but Weaver isn't ready to change that.
“We just have 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 drive and focus, things fall apart from that point on.”
Do you have any interesting stories? Email Brian Yauger at byauger@tribtoday.com. Follow @_brianyauger on X (formerly Twitter)
