ELM GROVE — Steubenville (Oh.) didn’t get a lot going offensively against talented University pitcher Maddie Campbell Tuesday afternoon at the Chambers I-470 Complex.
As it turned out, Big Red didn’t need a lot because the Hawks’ offense got even less going against ace righty Jules King.
A combination of one big swing of the bat by Steubenville catcher Sagan Smarella, King’s pitching and strong defense resulted in a 1-0 victory to send Steubenville to Saturday’s OVAC Class 5A championship game where it will take on John Marshall on Saturday on Ben’s Field at 2 p.m.
“Our kids really battle and when you play a schedule like we play, it feels like you’ve kind of been there before when you’re in games like this,” Steubenville head coach Gus DiMarzio said.
Having been in those pressure-packed situations paid dividends for Big Red, especially in the seventh inning.
University put King, who struck out 16, in very stressful situations throughout the game. It had only four baserunners in the game, but with their backs to the wall, the Hawks finally ignited a rally in the seventh.
Talented shortstop Lauren Huebsch, who made a couple of brilliant defensive plays in the game, led off the inning with a double. She advanced to third on a ground out to first.
“We were in a perfect spot in our lineup and after Lauren doubled, and I thought we were going to be able to make it happen,” University head coach Mindy Parks said.
Since barreling up the ball against King had been a true chore for the Hawks, Parks opted to try to squeeze. However, with King’s velocity and movement, the Hawks were unable to execute the play and King was credited with a strikeout when the hitter fouled off the two-strike bunt attempt.
From there, King did it herself. She sat down the final Hawk hitter via the strikeout once again.
“Thank God I have a pitching coach like Tomi McConnell, and I am not calling the pitches anymore,” DiMarzio smiled. “I don’t understand the pitching circle stuff as well as she does, and she did a great job of calling those pitches and was very confident.”
Even as good as King was, a team has to score to win and Steubenville did just enough.
Big Red (13-5) took the lead in the top of the second when Smarella turned a Campbell offering around and hit it well over the fence in left for a total no-doubter.
Outside of that hit, Big Red only had seven other baserunners, only three of whom reached second and one got to third before being stranded.
Again, it proved to be irrelevant because King was on.
“We’re very thankful to have Jules and she’s like a daughter to me,” DiMarzio said. “She’s no different than any other kid who wants to succeed. She wants to win, and I wouldn’t trade her for anyone. I am glad she’s on my side because she’ll battle you.”
University (20-5) finished with three hits. Huebsch also had a single.
“We hadn’t seen this type of pitching much this year,” Parks said. “It’s just not been around a whole lot, so it was a big adjustment.”
Steubenville hosts Parkersburg South on Friday before focusing on the Monarchs, who defeated Wheeling Park, 5-3.
“It’s always great to have the chance to play for a championship, and I thank the kids for the opportunity,” DiMarzio said. “We’ll show up Saturday and battle John Marshall. That’s all we can do, right?”
By SETH STASKEY/The Times-Leader
OVAC 5A Semifinals
Steubenville 1, University 0
Steubenville 010 000 0 — 1 4 1
University 000 000 0 — 0 3 2
S — King wp (16K, 0BB) and Smarella. Smarella HR, rbi; Matteson D; Beall D.
U — Campbell lp (7K, 2BB) and Masoner. Huebsch S, D.
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