Matthew Knaub: Exeter defeats Mechanicsburg in District 3 Class 5A softball quarterfinal [updated]
May 27—Throughout the postseason, Exeter has found success with timely hitting, effective pitching and strong defense.
The top-seeded and Berks champion Eagles stayed true to form on Thursday, relying on all three of their strengths to earn a 7-3 win over No. 9 seed Mechanicsburg in a District 3 Class 5A quarterfinal at Reiffton to advance to the semifinals.
Exeter also clinched a spot in the PIAA Tournament. The Eagles will be making their third consecutive state playoff appearance.
"I'm so proud of the girls and that we secured that spot," pitcher Morgan Herb said. "Coming off of our county (title game) win, we want to get as far as possible."
Herb played a major role in the Eagles' recipe for success, going 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and two RBIs. In the circle, the junior tossed seven innings, allowing eight hits and three runs.
"Morgan threw a good game," Exeter coach John Casner said. "She actually is starting to get stronger."
With Herb settled into a rhythm, the game remained scoreless until the Eagles scored four runs in the third inning. The rally was started by shortstop Haley Speicher, who hit a triple and scored on a sacrifice fly by center fielder Taylor Mentzer.
First baseman Cheyenne Boyles put Exeter up 2-0 with an RBI single, which brought home right fielder Alaina Zatorski. Later in the inning, designated hitter Mackenzie O'Brien hit a two-run single, driving in courtesy runner Peyton Seamans and third baseman Sasha Bolonski to make it 4-0.
"I'm really proud of the team," Herb said. "I think we really came out to play today from the start."
The Wildcats' offense came alive in the fifth inning, scoring two runs on a two-run single from shortstop Lauren Paul. She finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs.
The Eagles (20-2) responded in the sixth inning. A two-run double by Herb drove in Speicher and Mentzer to give Exeter a 6-2 lead. Catcher Taylor Knaub followed with an RBI double to make it 7-2.
The Eagles recorded 12 hits, and all nine Exeter batters reached base. Speicher, Herb, Knaub and O'Brien each finished with two hits.
"I know I can count on each and every one of my teammates," Knaub said. "If I get on base, I know my teammates can back me up."
Mechanicsburg (15-7) scored one run in the seventh inning, but Herb worked out of a jam. She finished with six strikeouts.
"She has a really great spin and she knows where to put the ball," Knaub said about Herb. "She always hits her spot."
Herb has allowed three or fewer runs in four of her last five starts, dating to Exeter's win in the Berks quarterfinals. The Eagles have outscored their opponents 39-12 since the start of the postseason.
"I'm very confident with my spins and pitches," Herb said. "I'm locked in."
Exeter will host fifth-seeded South Western, a 6-2 winner over No. 4 Lower Dauphin, in the semifinals on Tuesday at Reiffton at 4:30 p.m.
