Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Albia celebrates its Class 3A semifinal win at Rogers Park on Wednesday. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

Albia reached the Class 3A state championship game in 2017, falling to Davenport Assumption.

Abigail Martin was a freshman on that team, watching as the Lady Dees came up just short of their goal.

Now, as a senior, Martin will get a second shot at the gold, claiming a 2-1 victory over Mount Vernon in a 3A semifinal here Wedneday at Rogers Park. And it was her home run in the sixth that provided the winning run.

Martin took a Jenna Sprague pitch over the fence, setting off a quick celebration. Albia (21-1 overall), who will face Williamsburg on Friday at 2:30 p.m. for the title, silenced the Mustangs in the seventh.

“It means everything,” Martin said. “When we were here as freshman, we didn’t think that highly of it. We were just playing our game.”

But now?

“This is our last chance,” Martin said. “It is our game and we are ready for it. We are more ready for it.”

Jena Lawrence improved to 19-0 inside the circle, scattering seven hits and striking out two. Lawrence, a five-year starter alongside Alex Beard, sits at 99 career wins after the performance. She also collected two hits at the plate, as did Beard.

Lawrence, who has signed with Creighton, is the program leader for wins and strikeouts at over 900. Beard, a future Indian Hills player, owns the Albia records for career homers, RBI and batting average.

Mackenna Jones was 3-for-3 out of the No. 8 spot in the Albia lineup, driving in Lauren Bayer for the other run in the second inning.

For Mount Vernon, Maia Bentley had two hits and Nicole Sullivan hit her four home run of the season and second at state. Jenna Sprague struck out five.

ALBIA 2, MOUNT VERNON 1

Mount Vernon 000 100 0 — 1 7 1

Albia 010 001 x — 2 11 1

WP–Jena Lawrence (19-0, 7 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 2 K, 2 BB); LP–Jenna Sprague (15-3, 6 IP, 11 H, 2 ER, 5 K, 0 BB). HR–MV: Nicole Sullivan; A: Abigail Martin. 2B–MV: Maia Bentley. RBI–MV: Nicole Sullivan; A: Abigail Martin, Mackenna Jones. SB–A: Danica Workman. LOB–MV: 6; A: 9.