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Loecker throws gem for Ogden

Denali Loecker has learned to accept the fact that opposing teams are going to walk her.

But the University of Iowa signee is also figuring out other ways she can contribute to Ogden.

Loecker drew four walks on Tuesday, but scored three runs and tossed a one-hitter in leading the Bulldogs to a 5-2 victory over Mount Ayr in a Class 2A quarterfinal at Rogers Park.

Ogden (20-3 overall) now faces Louisa-Muscatine on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. in a semifinal contest on Iowa Central Field.

Just five away from tying former Ankeny Centennial standout Kendyl Lindaman’s career record of 71 homers, Loecker now takes solace in the fact that she has her team two wins away from a state title.

“It’s definitely frustrating (to be walked), but I just remind myself to use other opportunities that I have,” Loecker said. “Like in the first when the pitcher stepped out of the circle and I advanced to second. That kind of helped get us going (after falling behind 2-0).”

Ogden went a perfect 12-0 in the West Central Conference and entered state having won 11 of 12 overall.

Along with Loecker’s production, Jenna Palmer drove in three runs and Reagan Church belted out three hits. Meredith Adreon and Amber Braniff each scored a run. Ogden’s seven seniors have compiled a record of 91-26 while in uniform for head coach Mike Moses.

“It feels awesome,” Loecker said. “We had a lot of nerves last year, and in the first inning this year, but we calmed down after that and showed how much we have improved. I have an awesome defense behind me and I know my teammates will back me up.”

Mount Ayr jumped out to a 2-0 lead as Addy Reynolds and Alexa Anderson each scored. Reynolds would have the lone hit off Loecker, who struck out six and walked one.

OGDEN 5, MOUNT AYR 2

Mount Ayr 200 000 0 — 2 1 2

Ogden 101 300 x — 5 8 1

WP–Denali Loecker (14-2, 7 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 6 K, 1 BB); LP–Addy Reynolds (10-4, 6 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, 1 K, 5 BB). 2B–MA: Addy Reynolds; O: Jenna Palmer, Faith Mohr, Reagan Church (2). LOB–MA: 2; O: 9.

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