Thursday, May 19, 2005
ORWELL -- One day after knocking off top-seeded, state-ranked Champion, the LaBrae High softball team made it two in a row with a 9-5 victory over No. 2 seeded Newton Falls in the Division III district softball championship game Wednesday.
The Vikings scored five times in the third inning for a lead they never relinquished. Stepfanie Higgins led the way both on the mound and at the plate.
Higgins scattered nine hits to pick up the victory. She also had two hits, including a double, and drove in three runs.
Stacy Howard had a double and triple for the Vikings, who improved to 13-6.
Newton Falls, which ended the year 20-5, was led by Heather Peterson's two-run home run. Jessica Connell had three hits and Casee Piquet two for the Tigers.
The Vikings advance to the Division III regional tournament in Massillon for a May 26 game against Wellington.
Fitch 9, Howland 0
HOWLAND -- Nicole Smaldino's two hits included a home run and drove in two runs for the Falcons (12-9).
Winning pitcher Jen Purnell (12-9) struck out six Tigers and contributed three hits at the plate, one a double. Bre Alleman also had two hits for the Falcons.
Baseball
CANTON -- The Northwest High baseball team scored four runs in the first inning en route to an 11-1 romp over Salem in the Division II district semifinals at GlenOak High.
Mark Kolich and Craig Hritz had doubles for the Quakers (14-14).
John Heitger and Matt King doubled for Northwest (15-12).