Gabriel whiffs 20; Canfield advances

Staff report

POLAND

Poland sophomore Erin Gabriel struck out 20 batters in tossing a no-hitter in Friday’s 7-0 victory over Hubbard in a Division II sectional softball final.

The only Eagles baserunner reached on an error. Poland (24-1) made the final out of the game by catching a foul pop-up as Gabriel improved to 16-0.

Gabriel’s three hits included a two-run homer. Kaylie Benson, Adriana Sikora and Megan Hirschbeck hit doubles.

Poland advances to a district semifinal game on Thursday at the JAGS Complex in Jefferson. The opponent will be determined early next week.

Hubbard finishes 13-11.

Division I

Canfield 6, Fitch 2

CANFIELD

Melanie West hit a two-run double and Abby Baker had a three-run triple to lead Canfield in a Div. I sectional final.

West finished 2 for 3 for the Cardinals (16-11), which advanced to a district semifinal next Wednesday at the Fields of Dreams in Boardman.

Stephanie Berdis’ two hits included a double for Fitch (13-9).

Division II Southeast 7, Niles 1

NILES

Kayla Williams allowed just three hits and struck out 14 as Southeast (17-3) advanced to play at Struthers today at 1 p.m.

Kayla Carson had two hits for the Pirates, including a double, and two RBIs. Staci Stewart hit a home run and had two RBIs, while Payten Kasten hit three singles and had three RBIs.

Niles is 21-7.

Division IV Columbiana 7, Southern 0

COLUMBIANA

Khylea Fullum’s three hits included a homer and a double. She drove in two runs and scored twice for the Clippers (16-10).

Jordan Stoddard’s two hits included a double and drove in three runs. Katie Libb and Sami Veitz each had two hits. Winning pitcher Dakota DeAmicis (14-10) struck out nine and walked one.

Columbiana advances to play Lordstown on Tuesday in a district semifinal at Lakeview High. Southern finishes at 8-20.

Sebring 6, Leetonia 3

LEETONIA

Kayla Maretich hit a triple and single, and scored twice, as Sebring (5-18) won its tournament opener. Emily Dickens added a pair of doubles for the Trojans, who play at East Canton today in a sectional final.

Stevi Smith went 62/3 innings for the win.