LADY RAIDERS HOT START GIVES THEM SEAT IN FINALS

BEREA, OH- South Range came out swinging, scoring six runs in the first inning to set the tone for a 10-2 victory over Tuslaw on Wednesday. The first-inning fireworks included a sac fly by Gretchen Bartels, a two-run single from Ashley Rupert, a two-run homer from Solena DeJesus, and an RBI single by Keira Brogan.

The Raiders extended their lead to 7-0 in the third inning thanks to an error. Tuslaw’s Kaydence Chapman managed a solo inside-the-park home run in the fifth, but South Range kept the pressure on, adding two more runs in the sixth. A passed ball brought one in, and Anna Aey launched a solo homer to left field.

Jayli Wilt pitched a gem for South Range, allowing six hits and two runs (one earned) over seven innings while striking out six and walking one. Camryn Kiefer took the loss for Tuslaw, giving up 10 runs (nine earned) on 10 hits, striking out seven and walking two over six innings.

South Range tallied 10 hits in the game. DeJesus led the charge with two RBIs from the number seven spot, going 2-for-3. Brogan set the pace at the top of the lineup with three hits in four at-bats. Aey also contributed with two hits in four at-bats. The Raiders were solid defensively, committing no errors and turning one double play. Heidi Bartels made the most plays with seven.

Chapman led Tuslaw with one RBI, going 1-for-3. Danica Crescenze, Kylie Johnson, Kiefer, Shaylyn Fox, Isabel McCune, and Chapman each chipped in with a hit for the Mustangs.

The Lady Raiders will now gear up for a Regional Final against Champion on Friday at 5pm.