Morning Journal/Ron Firth On Wednesday, East Canton shortstop Hannah Spencer threw a ball and Southern's Josie Richards slid into third base. Southern's Cheyenne Buzzard and Destiny Huffman (back) scored on this play.
EAST CANTON — The Southern Regional softball team liked it so much last year that it made it to the district tournament for the first time, so the Indians are determined to make it too.
On Wednesday, the 11th-seeded Indians defeated 10th-seeded East Canton 6-5 in 12 innings to win their second straight Division IV division title.
It was Southern's second win against the Hornets in less than a week. On Saturday, Southern won 12-7 on a called seventh inning.
Southern improves to 10-7 and will play No. 6 seed Southington in the Dalton regional semifinals Monday at 5 p.m. Southington defeated Southern 10-0 in the district semifinals last year.
Southern pitcher Alexis Ensinger threw 176 pitches in a complete game effort. He had 13 strikeouts and no walks, allowing 12 hits and five earned runs.
Makenna Jones totaled three hits, two RBIs, and two RBIs for the Indians.
The Indians scored three runs in the top of the 12th inning to take a 6-3 lead. Gianna Pecorelli started the inning with a single over left field, and Kennedy Lewis was hit by a pitch. Jones followed with a two-run hit. Cheyenne Buzzard then grounded out on a fielder's choice and Jones scored on a throw error.
East Canton fought back in the bottom of the 12th inning, scoring on Sarah Helms' single and Audrey Miller's triple. Jenna Miller's fielder's choice brought Audrey Miller home and cut the lead to 6-5. Ensinger recorded his 13th strikeout, ending the game.
The Indians scored three earned runs in the second inning to extend their lead to 3-0. East Canton's two two-out errors, three walks and a hit-by-pitch resulted in three points.
East Canton tied the score in the bottom of the third inning with four singles, including three looping singles over the right infield. He tied it at 3-3 on a double by Hannah Spencer.
Mayra Rice took the loss as she threw 153 pitches, struck out eight, walked five and struck out five batters. Three of the six goals she allowed were unearned.
Southern is scheduled to host Beaver Local today in a regular season game.
S: 0-3-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-3–6-7-6
E: 0-0-3-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-2–5-12-9
badger 4,
East Palestine 1
UNITY — The 15th-seeded Badgers defeated 14th-seeded East Palestine 4-1 in Div. IV section final at Ace of Diamonds on Wednesday.
The Badgers (10-8) will play top-seeded Matthews in the district semifinals Monday at Jackson Milton at 4 p.m.
Poland 17, United 2
HANOVERTON — Lillian MacDonald had a home run, double and four RBIs as ninth-seeded Poland outscored sixth-seeded United 17-2 in five innings on Wednesday in the division. III Section Finals at United Local High School.
Mary Brandt added two singles, a double and three RBIs for Poland.
Olivia Horne led Poland with five strikeouts and two walks.
The Eagles lost the game as Matty Ginns allowed 12 earned runs with two walks and one strikeout.
Ginns hit a double at the plate and Samantha Lippiatt hit a triple. Madeline Lucas had a hit and two RBIs.
Poland advances to the district tournament and will face today's winner of Canton South in a South Range game Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. at South Range High School. South Range is the No. 2 seed and Canton South is the No. 12 seed.
United lost 18-5.
P: 3-7-0-2-5–17-20-2
U: 0-0-0-0-2– 2- 4-5
New Philadelphia 20, East Liverpool 0
NEW PHILADELPHIA — East Liverpool was held to just two hits in a 5-inning, 20-0 loss to New Philadelphia in Division I action. Division II opening game on Wednesday.
Jillian Howard struck out 12 for the Potters and got the win inside the circle.
Madison Wright was the winner with two hits, including a home run, and four RBIs.
Kate Davis and Kylie Quimby had hits for the Potters.
Tatum Fink was the losing pitcher with five strikeouts, two walks and 12 earned runs allowed.
New Philadelphia (14-9) will play No. 2 seed John Glenn on Friday.
EL: 0-0-0-0-0– 0-2-5
NP: 8-5-3-4-x–20-15-0
