TRI-COUNTY LEAGUE SOFTBALL United clinches tie for loop title

The Eagles beat Columbiana, which still has a chance to share honors.
By JOHN BUTERA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
HANOVERTON -- The United High softball team clinched a share of the Tri-County League championship Wednesday by turning back Columbiana, 3-1.
United (15-3, 13-1 ICL) was led by the pitching of Mandy Foster and the hitting of her sister, Michelle.
Columbiana (15-3, 12-1) can salvage a tie for the crown with a win today against Leetonia.
"We were really focused tonight," Mandy Foster (14-3) said. "They took it from us last year, so we just really wanted it."
Earlier in the season, Columbiana defeated United, 10-1.
"United was much better than the last time we faced them," Clippers coach Bonnie Wilkinson said. "And I congratulate them.
"Tonight, we were just never in a position to make things happen," Wilkinson said. "But our girls fought hard."
Early runs
A double by Michelle Foster and two Columbiana passed balls produced two runs in the first inning for the Eagles.
"When we got those two runs early, it took off some of the pressure," United coach Jan Sheets said.
"Stevie Goist is a great pitcher and Columbiana rarely gives up many runs."
The Clippers cut the gap to 2-1 in the fifth, but United answered when Foster produced her RBI double.
The Clippers couldn't handle Mandy Foster's pitches, managing only two hits.
Defense falters
Goist, Columbiana's ace (9-2), yielded five hits and was a victim of some bad defense.
"That's just part of the game," Goist said. "The main thing was we just didn't hit the ball. We came in confident but not overconfident. Even after they scored the two runs, I thought we still had a good chance."
Andrea Libb and Mandy Foster also doubled.
Cara Hardenbrook had a two-base hit for the Clippers.