(Guthrie Center, IA) – The AC/GC Chargers softball team finished off the regular season in a winning fashion after winning four out of their last five games. In those games, the Chargers defeated Panorama, Des Moines Christian, West Central Valley, and even #15 Treynor. AC/GC is playing their best ball just in time for postseason play.
In the West Central Activities Conference, the Chargers finished at 8-12 in conference play and were able to cap a 12-12 overall record. The aspect for AC/GC is that they’ve had to face off against state-ranked teams like #1 Van Meter, #10 Interstate-35, and #11 Earlham this season in which the Chargers were able to take a 3-0 win over Earlham in the first of the doubleheader matchups. Charger Head Coach Eric Van Meter stated that while the top of the conference is tough, the middle of the pack has also offered up a fight throughout the season with opponents Pleasantville, Woodward-Granger, and Ogden who have had success on the ballfield as well.
Defense has been the catalyst for Charger softball this season. As a team, AC/GC has a .933 fielding percentage and has averaged just two errors per game on the field. Catcher Reagan Carney has also been a top force behind the plate this season with 117 putouts. On the infield, Jayla Hoover, Mersadez Richter, Carly Fagan, and Emerson Van Meter all have continued to make crucial plays with top-field percentage marks.
AC/GC is led in the circle by Emerson Van Meter who has maintained a 2.80 ERA while reaching 100 strikeouts this season. While she has quite a few strikeouts, Van Meter has developed into a ground ball pitcher as she forces batters into tough situations with her pitching style.
The Chargers will be facing off against a well-known conference opponent West Central Valley in postseason action tonight (July 8th). AC/CG has previously been 3-0 this season when taking on the Wildcats as they’ve defeated them 5-3, 3-1, and 6-2 in a delayed game just five days ago. Taking on a conference opponent in the postseason is tough but also gives you an inside look at what you can expect in the first round of action.
Tonight, the Chargers host the Wildcats in the first round of regional action with the opening pitch at 7:00 p.m. KSOM 96.5 will be live for tonight’s broadcast with the pregame show starting at 6:45 p.m.
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