Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Davenport Assumption celebrates at the state softball tournament on Tuesday at Rogers Park.

The names over the past eight years have changed around Davenport Assumption softball. But the high expectations remain the same.

Back here at Rogers Park for the eighth consecutive season, the Knights dominated Saydel Tuesday, 5-0, advancing to the Class 3A semifinals. Assumption (33-6 overall) will face Dubuque Wahlert (32-8) on Wednesday at 5 p.m. on Kruger Seeds Field.

During this current run of state appearances, the Knights have captured four titles and reached the finals another time. First-year head coach Tyler Edwards has kept the train moving along behind 2021 state championship winning pitcher Leah Maro and company.

Maro scattered seven hits without issuing a walk, striking out 10. She was also one of six players with a hit, while Charlotte Nigey drove in two.

“With all the senior experience we feel like we know what to expect coming up here,” Edwards said. “We know how things are going to go, where we are going to stay, the fields and everything else. I think that really helps with all the nerves.”

Edwards, though, admitted that scoring first also helps the nerves.

“And when we get a 2-0 or 3-0 lead with Leah in the circle and our defense behind her, we feel really good about that.”

This version of Davenport Assumption has only lost to state qualifiers in fellow 3A rival Williamsburg along with 5A programs Bettendorf, Pleasant Valley and Muscatine. They are led by six seniors who have only experienced success over the years.

Saydel (23-7), making its second straight state appearance and third overall, will face Benton (28-15) in a consolation contest on Wednesday at 11 a.m. on Dodger Field.

DAVENPORT ASSUMPTION 5, SAYDEL 0

Saydel 000 000 0 — 0 7 2

Assumption 320 000 x — 5 6 0

WP–Leah Maro (18-2, 7 IP, 7 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 K). LP–Dakota Lake (22-7, 6 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K).

HR–DA: Charlotte Nigey. 2B–DA: Jessie Wardlow. RBI–DA: Helen Sons, Charlotte Nigey (2).