The Indian Lake Lakers battled undefeated powerhouse Wheelersburg in the DIII Softball State Championship Saturday at Akron’s Firestone Stadium.
The Lakers held their own and one bad inning was the difference as they lost 6-0.
Wheelersburg’s high-powered offense was held in check for the first two innings. In the top the Pirates made things happen with a leadoff single. Then a bunt single put runners at first and second with no one out. The next batter sacrificed moving the runners in scoring position. A ground ball to the shortstop scored a run when the throw to the plate was unable to get the runner and it was 1-0. The big blow came with the next batter crushing a ball deep in the alley in centerfield. Porscha Davis made a diving attempt, but couldn’t come up with the out. Two runners came in making it 3-0 with a runner on third. Wheelersburg would drive her in with a ground ball and take a 4-0 lead.
That’s all the Pirates defense needed.
Indian Lake was hitting the Wheelersburg pitcher, but their defense was making out after out.
The Pirates added some insurance in the top of the seventh as Catie Boggs drove a pitch over the wall in centerfield for a 2-run homer.
Wheelersburg put the Lakers away in the bottom of seventh to secure back-to-back state titles.
Indian Lake could only muster two hits on the day and four total base runners. No runner made it to second base.
Wheelersburg completes a perfect season going 32-0 and over the last two seasons they have a record of 59-1.
Andi Jo Howard got the win going 7 innings, allowing 2 hits, 1 BB, 1 hit batter, and 0 runs.
Madison Brentlinger suffered the loss going 7 innings, giving up 7 hits, 6 runs (5 earned), and walked 2.
The Lakers end the season 27-4 which is a school record for wins in a season. They won their first Regional Championship and made their first appearance ever in a championship game in any team sport in school history bringing home a state runner-up trophy.
Indian Lake graduates three seniors and after the game the players were already talking about next season saying they’re planning a return to Akron.
Congratulations Indian Lake on a great season!
