This time, Boardman jars Howland, 7-2

After losing the district finale last year, the Spartans prevailed behind Ashley DiDomenico.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
BOARDMAN -- Boardman High softball coach Bill Amero couldn't hide from his feelings.
One year after Howland beat his team in the Division I district title game, the Spartans gained redemption with a 7-2 victory Tuesday at Fields of Dreams.
Yet, Amero didn't want to spotlight a revenge factor, instead saying he respected Howland coach Brian Earich too much.
"I don't get too hung up on that. Everybody's out there to beat each other, and it's not a personal thing. It was not a revenge thing," Amero said. "We wanted to advance."
Amero paused before admitting of last year's loss, "It sure left a sour taste in our mouth."
That taste hasn't been this sweet since Boardman's run of three straight state final four appearances from 2000-02, including winning the state crown in 2001.
Balanced attack
Boardman (22-3) returned to the regional in convincing fashion, successfully balancing a strong offense and junior Ashley DiDomenico's pitching.
On May 26 at the University of Akron regional, the Spartans will play the winner of today's game between Uniontown Lake and Green.
"I'd really like to make it down to state," said DiDomenico, who tossed a three-hitter with seven strikeouts and no walks. "I think we can do it. I believe in this team."
The Spartans gave DiDomenico the backing she needed with a five-run second inning against Howland (16-8) and senior pitcher Barbie Lewis.
"We hit the ball real well. We made the proper adjustments at the plate, laying off some of the pitches and going after the pitches we wanted to hit," Amero said. "It turned into a big inning."
Senior Jaclyn Corroto and junior Sarah Albani each had two hits in Boardman's 10-hit attack. Corroto also drove in two runs in a game delayed 30 minutes because of rain and lightning.
"Barbie has good movement on the ball. She moves it in and out," Corroto said of Howland's pitcher. "You just have to wait for her to bring it to you."
The only runs DiDomenico allowed came on Lewis' RBI single in the third and sophomore Desiree Sibera's solo home run in the fourth.
After the home run, DiDomenico retired the final 11 batters she faced to improve her record to 18-3.
"The big thing was, she recovered from it, she didn't get rattled and she came right back at them," Amero said of DiDomenico.
Backing their words
Earich recalled the confidence some of his players possessed this season, with them saying they would return to play Boardman for the district championship.
"People say things. Sometimes they happen, and sometimes they don't," Earich said. "That's what they kept saying, and guess what? Here we are.
"We got one more shot at those guys," he added. "I loved it, man. It was great."
richesson@vindy.com