Hornets win regional championship

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HARVARD – The Harvard girls softball didn’t have its ace in the pitcher’s circle for the IHSA Class 2A Harvard Regional championship Saturday, but the Hornets still played a big game.

Harvard sophomore Iede Rossmiller pitched all seven innings in her first career varsity start, striking out three and allowing one earned run, and the Hornets’ offense collected 14 hits and showed patience at the plate with seven walks to defeat North Boone, 12-6, at Lions Park.

Lindsay Melson, Harvard’s ace, did not pitch because she suffered a cracked rib in the second inning of the Hornets’ regional semifinal Tuesday. Melson had made every start for Harvard before today’s game.

"This [performance] shows off what we can do as a team,” Rossmiller said. “Some people said we could only win because of [Melson], but that’s not true.

“We made her feel proud, and we’re happy to win one for her. I knew Lindsay was behind me with every pitch I threw.”

Harvard (22-9) will play Rock Falls in a Rock Falls Sectional semifinal at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

Stephanie Stephens went 4 for 4 for Harvard and drove in two runs, Randi Blazier went 2 for 2 with two walks and drove in three, and Micheala Binz and Ashley Fisher each scored three runs.

“I just knew I had to take my time and watch every pitch come in,” Blazier said. “Coach Connie [Weathersby] always tells us to be patient and wait for your pitch.

“Everyone was relaxing, hitting and getting a good piece of the ball.”

Harvard trailed, 2-0, after a first inning home run by North Boone’s Missy Denk, but the Hornets scored 10 unanswered runs in the third and fourth inning.

In the third, Harvard batted around and had six hits and three walks. Carlie Gabrys had a two-run double and Brittany Finke, Griffin Larkin, Binz and Stephens drove in a run apiece in the inning.