Parkway knew it faced an uphill battle in taking down unbeaten Hopewell-Loudon, which chased Panthers' ace Meg Henkle early, but still had to go the entire seven innings to advance in the Division IV state semifinals. (PressPros Feature Photo by Jarrod Ulrey).
In two excellently played games St. Henry, behind Lucas Clune (above) and surprising Delphos St. John, behind freshman Can Elwer, prevailed to meet in Friday's Division IV northwest regional final...with a trip to Akron waiting for the winner.
Getting just enough contact to extend her decisive plate appearance, Parkway's Adria Miller finally found her pitch and came through for the Panthers with a two-run triple that lifted them to a regional championship and berth in the state semifinals.
Despite a strong start (Logan Link scoring the game's first run in the third inning, above), St. Henry had to endure a shaking finish to beat Marion Local in the Division IV district finals, advancing to the regional round of the tournament for the first time in thirteen years.
St. Henry and pitcher Devin Delzeith (above) knocked out New Bremen in the first game of a district doubleheader...and Marion Local scored the improbable win over Convoy Crestview in the nightcap...to advance to the Division IV district finals in baseball.