CLIPPERS HANDLE CONFERENCE RIVAL IN SECTIONAL FINAL

By Michael Wolfgang 

COLUMBIANA, OHIO – Columbiana softball  is moving on to the district semifinal with a 5-1 win over conference foe United Thursday night.

Caitlyn Plesak headlined the offensive duties for the Clippers as she finished with a line of two-for-three and two runs batted in with the bay in her hands. With the game tied at one run a piece to start the bottom of the fourth inning, Columbiana pulled away for good when Alaina Johnston drove in a runner on a ground out.

For some added insurance comfort, the Clippers tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the fifth and one more in the bottom of the sixth.

The winning pitcher title went to Mackenzi Gamble for Columbiana as she only surrendered one run on three hits over seven dazzling innings of work and an incredible 16 punch outs of United batters.

The long ball was also a factor in the Columbiana lineup with two batters going deep, Ava Davanza and Plesak. The next opponent for Columbiana will be at home against Canfield Friday night at 5:00 p.m.