Sports briefs

Fitch falls 9-8 to Jackson

The Austintown Fitch High School softball team’s 16 hits weren’t enough as the Falcons came up one run short in its 9-8 loss against Massillon Jackson May 19.

Jackson jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning before the Falcons evened the score in the third. After each team earned a run in the fifth, the Polar Gears scored four runs in sixth inning.

The Falcons answered back with a five-run seventh inning that tied things up once again. But Jackson scored in the eighth to claim the victory. Hitting singles for the Falcons were Alana Callahan (3), Megan Carney (3), Cali Mikovich (2), Tori Wise (2), Carly Ortz, Alex Corradi, Christine Holmes, Marissa Mraz and Amanda Callahan.

Falcon girls fall to Canfield

The Austintown Fitch softball team gave up an early lead and lost to Canfield 4-3 on May 16 during a sectional game.

Tori Wise and Carly Ortz each hit a homerun that put the Falcons in the lead by the third, but Canfield scored in the fourth, sixth and ninth inning to win the game. Losing pitcher Amanda Callahan had six strikeouts.

Basista qualifies for regionals

Brian Basista of Austintown qualified for the regional tournament in Canton in June after shooting a 79 at the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship regional pre-qualifier at Deer Creek Golf Course in Hubbard May 14.

Basista is a sophomore at Austintown Fitch High School and the son of Mike and Florence Basista of Austintown.

Annual festival run planned

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church will host its annual 5K festival run June 9 at 7 p.m.

The will be a no-charge º-mile run for children, which will start just before the 5K run.

Registration will begin at 5 p.m. the day of the race or registration forms can be downloaded at www.ihmfestival5k.webs.com.

Entry fees are $13 in advance and $15 on race day.