DIVISION III Raiders' early rally nets win against Crestview

Jenn Toth pitched a two-hitter for South Range in the 4-0 victory.
By JOHN BUTERA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBIANA -- South Range High turned five singles and a walk into a four-run fourth inning, getting all the runs it would need in a 4-0 victory over Crestview in a Division III sectional softball tournament game Wednesday.
Winning pitcher Jenn Toth (11-10) scattered two hits.
South Range improved to 12-11.
Only hits: The Rebels' hits were by Marcy Sickelsmith and Erin Peppel, who reached consecutively with two outs in the third inning.
Crestview had one other scoring chance, in the fourth, but a runner was thrown out at the plate.
From there Toth got stronger, retiring the last nine batters in a row.
"After we got the four runs I was able to use my slip change a lot more," Toth said. "I usually don't do that.
"Right now I think we have a really good chance of getting to the regionals, especially with the district on our home field. That's a good advantage."
Crestview's Danya Papania, who has thrown two no-hitters this year, had struck out four and allowed no hits over the first three innings before South Range went to work in the fourth.
Toth started things with a walk and Niki Knopp singled up the middle. Amy Algeo attempted to sacrifice but ended up on first with an infield hit.
Key hit: Ashley Basista slashed a single to right-center, clearing the bases. Kristen Powers' RBI single completed the rally.
Sam Hoover finished with two singles for the Raiders.
"I was a little worried when they were hanging in there and we weren't scoring runs," South Range coach Ray Thomas said. "Toth has got us where we are, though, and I'll take her against anybody. She's the best we've got."
Crestview coach Clarence Sickelsmith noted, "Defensively, we played well but we struggled all year batting and did that again.
"We made a couple of throwing mistakes we shouldn't have made. That's part of the game, though."