Jillian French powers Twin Cedars to 1A state softball championship: Sabers top Warhawks, 6-3
Jillian French was ready for Friday's Class 1A championship game of the state softball tournament between Twin Cedars and Southeast Warren Friday at the Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex in Fort Dodge.
French went 2-for-4 with a double, home run and four RBIs to lead Twin Cedars to a 6-3 victory and the school's first state championship in just its second appearance at state.
"It was confidence," French said. "I had a lot of confidence in myself and I was excited."
French hit a two-run homer over the fence in left field in the third inning to give the Sabers a 4-1 lead. Two innings later she smacked a two-run double down the line in left field to put her team up five runs.
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Southeast Warren fought to get back within 6-3 with two runs in the sixth inning thanks to an RBI double from Josie Hartman and a sacrifice fly from Kaylee Tigner. But Grace Bailey came in to retire the Warhawks in order in the seventh to get the save and seal the deal.
"They were a really good team and we knew they were going to hit the ball," Bailey said. "Being able to come in and finish that was just the greatest thing."
Bailey started the game on the mound, but she was relieved by Ali Mockenhaupt in the second inning. She gave up one run on five hits in 2 1/3 innings and also went 2-for-4 at the plate with a double, two runs and an RBI.
Mockenhaupt got the win with 4 2/3 solid innings of work. She only allowed two runs on four hits.
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The victory capped an amazing run by a Twin Cedars team that hadn't been to state since 1978. The Sabers entered the tournament as the sixth seed in 1A, but they blanked third seed Lisbon (2-0) and rolled past seventh seed Martensdale St. Marys before downing Southeast Warren.
"I don't think anyone believed in us," Bailey said. "It's indescribable."
Bailey was named captain of the 1A all-tournament team. French, Mockenhaupt and Rylee Dunkin also made the team from Twin Cedars.
The Sabers ended their magical season with a 29-3 record.
"We worked so hard for this," French said. "Everyone is just so happy. I'm glad that it happened."
Southeast Warren finished at 25-5. Alivia Ruble took the loss after allowing five earned runs on seven hits with one strikeout and Lexi Clendenen finished 3-for-3 with a triple and a run for the Warhawks.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Twin Cedars softball team wins Iowa 1A state championship
