POLAND CLINCHES NE8 CHAMPIONSHIP

POLAND OH-

POLAND, Ohio –

Prior to their sectional final matchups, the Hubbard Lady Eagles (13-9) and Poland Bulldogssquared off for their first matchup in NE8 play.Playing host for this conference matchup, the Poland Bulldogs (17-5) wasted no time getting runs on the board.

With their leadoff batter retired, Jackie Grisdale would reach first thanks to an error by the Hubbard shortstop, then Camryn Lattanzio would crush one to deep centerfield, a 2-run shot to give the Bulldogs the lead.

Once Poland got their first taste out in front, they never looked back. Leading off the bottom of the second inning, it was Katie McDonald’s turn to go yard. McDonald would take a 2-2 pitch over the center field wall and put the Dogs in front by 3.

Already a commanding lead for Poland, the best of their offensive was still yet to come. The Bulldogs were able to score 9 runs in a huge 3rd inning. A walk, an error, and a base hit saw the bases juiced for Poland with just one away. 6 of the next 7 batters for Poland would record at least 1 RBI.

Scoring just 1 additional run in the 4th to bring their total to 13 for the game, Poland added stellar defense and superb pitching to shut out the Lady Eagles. Katie McDonald went all 5 innings for Poland, striking out 5 and allowing just 3 hits with no runs to report.

With their 13-0 victory, the Poland Bulldogs have clinched at least a share of the NE8 conference title. They’ll have a chance at the outright title when they face off again against Hubbard on the road Friday.

TOP PERFORMERS:

POLAND

Katie McDonald – 2-for-3, 1 HR, 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored

Emily Denney – 1-for-3, 1 triple, 3 RBIs, 2 runs scored

Camryn Lattanzio – 1-for-2, 1 HR, 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored

HUBBARD

Isabella O’Brien – 2-for-2

WHAT’S NEXT:

POLAND

Seeded at #4 in the Division 2 Jefferson district, the Poland Bulldogs will host the #18 seed Jefferson Falcons. Both members of the NE8 conference, these two teams have met twice before on the year, both which ended in favor of the Bulldogs, 12-1 and 16-2.

HUBBARD

Performing well enough to receive the #7 seed in the Hubbard district, the Lady Eagles will play host to the #19 seed Southeast Pirates. The Pirates upset the 12th seeded Harvey Red Raiders 16-5.

*Contributed By YSN’s Jamie Thomson