Oak Harbor heads to state tourney wondering 'why not us?'

FINDLAY - Oak Harbor softball doesn't believe there's a pitcher out there it can't hit.

A 12-2 run-rule victory over West Jefferson in a Division III regional final Friday did nothing to change the Rockets' minds. Oak Harbor played in a state semifinal two years ago.

"I don't know whether to cry or laugh and be happy," senior Porter Gregory said. "I can't believe it. It's surreal. Remi (Gregory) did it her senior year. I did it my senior year."

Softball Not many Fish in sea like Danbury pitcher as senior leads program to new depth

The Rockets play Baltimore Liberty Union at 3 p.m. Thursday at Akron Firestone Stadium.

"I don't want to be done," Gregory said. "I don't want to jinx it, but we made it this far, we might as well go all the way. I'm ready for (Thursday) right now."

Reese Adkins clubbed a two-run home run to the opposite field on her 18th birthday. She, Karder Haas and Myley Sandwisch had three hits apiece.

"If one of us hits, we all hit," Gregory said. "It changes every game. When they get it started, it's started. (Friday) it was Alyse (Sorg). Hitting is contagious."

Sorg seemed unflappable in the circle. She induced five consecutive foul balls with a two-strike count, before registering a strikeout early in the game.

West Jefferson connected for a two-run home run on the next pitch, before Sorg responded with a strikeout. She allowed only two hits.

"She doesn't get down," Gregory said. "She has adversity. She does whatever it takes to win on offense and defense."

Coach Cami Haas insists all Rockets share Sorg's mentality.

"We can all fill a spot," Gregory said. "It felt good to beat Margaretta; old rival (in a regional semifinal). We know how to win. We're humble, but this was big. For the trophy."

Gregory was asked if the Rockets can hit any pitcher they might see in Akron.

"I'm confident we can," she said. "Why not us? We were ranked sixth. Now, we're going to state. It took the whole season to get (recognized) above seventh. We want to prove to ourselves who we are."

mhorn@gannett.com

419-307-4892

X: @MatthewHornNH

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Oak Harbor heads to state tourney wondering 'why not us?'