Republic exacted revenge against Ozark with a decisive 12-0 victory in the district semifinals Saturday afternoon. The win avenged a 10-0 loss to Ozark earlier in the season.
The Lady Tigers steadily built their lead, scoring two runs in the second inning, three in the third, two in the fourth, and five in the sixth to end the game early.
Addison Walker led Republic’s offense, going 3-for-4 with three runs scored and an RBI. Piper Dishman and Annabelle Gerhardt-Hobbs each contributed two hits. Sammi Watson scored twice and drove in a run, while Ashland Schaumann and Cass Ellison added two hits apiece.
Kara Goeke dominated in the circle, throwing a complete-game shutout. She struck out eight, walked one, and allowed just two hits.
Walker attributed the turnaround to the team’s mindset and early offensive success. “We wanted it so bad,” she said. “I think maybe (Kickapoo) thought that they had it, and us coming out hitting on top just made it ten times better, and our momentum just kept growing and growing.”
Goeke acknowledged the team had faced skepticism throughout the season. “We’ve heard it all season how we’re not as good this year because we graduated our three really good seniors last year,” she said. “But we just really wanted to win, and I think we did a great job coming out and executing for it.”
Goeke credited her success to focus and teamwork. “I knew it was a big game, and honestly, I think nerves help me because they make me focus in more,” Goeke said. “I was just hitting my spots really well, and the ball was moving for me. I knew my defense had my back behind me, which is always helpful.”
The win improved Republic’s record to 23-9. They will face Kickapoo in the district championship game on Monday night.