The first time through the lineup, the Rockets struggled to hit the Flaming Hearts. The second time they broke through for four runs in the fourth inning, capped off by a two run home run from Katie Nika to beat Effingham 5-1 in the 3A Chatham sectional semifinal on Tuesday evening.
Faith Day, Jill Anderson and Abby Blatz added RBI knocks and Reagan Miles kept the Flaming Hearts off balance in the batters box.
Rochester will play Glenwood in the 3A Chatham sectional championship on Saturday at 11 a.m. for a spot in the 3A Mattoon super sectionals on Monday.
