The Russia Raiders secured a firm grip on the SCAL after throwing out three Fort Loramie runners at the plate, and getting another in a rundown. Russia's 7-1 win was the 11th straight for the Raiders, who debuted at No. 2 in the D-IV state poll. Read Greg Billing softball this coming Saturday.

Some sage motivation at the right time resonated with Tri-Village's players over the summer and echoed loudly as an explanation for their ability to extend their own state title dreams, while ending Botkins' attempt for a second straight championship. Bruce Hooley writes.

The Pleiman brothers put Botkins in front early and the Trojans' sharp-shooting backcourt took the baton from there in a comfortable regional semifinal win that moves the defending Division IV champs within one win of a return trip to UD Arena. Bruce Hooley writes the story of Wednesday Press Pros.

The exact scenario Russia might have envisioned to further its upset hopes instead conspired against the Raiders, which shows just how talented defending state champion Botkins is and what the Trojans may be capable of again. (PressPros Feature Photos By Julie McMaken Wright).