Jefferson Softball

Hansen tops all-Metro softball team

Cedar Rapids Jefferson catcher Maddie Hansen has been named the Athlete of the Year on the All-Metro Softball Team, as selected by Metro coaches.

Hansen, a senior, is hitting .504 with 11 home runs and 46 RBIs to rank among the state leaders in all three departments. She plans to play next season at Kirkwood Community College.

Hansen has helped the third-ranked J-Hawks reach the Class 5A state tournament with a 35-7 record. Jefferson will face Linn-Mar in the opening round at 3:30 p.m. Monday in Fort Dodge.

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Big crowd sees J-Hawks nip Prairie

An overflow crowd filled every nook-and-cranny at Larry Niemeyer Field on Tuesday night to watch two premier softball teams battle for a spot in the Class 5A state tournament.

When it ended, the fans gave both teams a standing ovation after the third-ranked Jefferson J-Hawks edged the Prairie Hawks, 3-2, to claim a cherished trip to the state tournament next week in Fort Dodge.

Jefferson (35-7) will face Linn-Mar (25-17) in the quarterfinals at 3:30 p.m. Monday.

"Very rarely do I look outside the fence during a game," said Jefferson coach Brian Erbe. "I really, truly don't, believe it or not. But holy cow, I looked around and I just couldn't believe it.

"They were three or four deep in the outfield around the fence. The stands were full. What a great atmosphere. We gave them every bang for their buck."

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Avery Guy wins Metro Spotlight Award

Avery Guy of Cedar Rapids Jefferson is the winner of the Metro Spotlight Award for high school girls this week, the Metro Sports Report announced Sunday.

Guy, a sophomore, is an excellent leadoff hitter and shortstop for the efferson softball team. The J-Hawks are ranked No. 3 in the state in Class 5A and have a 34-7 overall record.

Guy is hitting .470 with six home runs and 29 RBIs. She gives Jefferson speed and power at the top of the lineup, setting the stage for the rest of the club. She also has 10 stolen bases.

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No.3 J-Hawks reach regional finals

Hannah Towns belted a home run Saturday night as the third-ranked Jefferson J-Hawks topped Dubuque Senior, 8-3, in the Class 5A regional semifinals at Larry Niemeyer Field at Jefferson.

Jefferson (34-7) will host Cedar Rapids Prairie (27-11) in the regional finals Tuesday at 7 p.m., with the winner advancing to the Class 5A state tournament in Fort Dodge.

Erin Kuba went 2-for-2 with two RBIs for the J-Hawks Saturday night. Avery Guy also was 2-for-2.

All-state catcher Maddie Hansen had an RBI double.

Jefferson and Prairie split a doubleheader this season. The winner of their rubber match will make the state tournament.