RAIDERS HOLD OFF LAKEVIEW TO EARN A TITLE

CORTLAND OH- South Range clinched the NE8 championship on Monday with a hard-fought road win against Lakeview, sealing a 6-5 victory in a tense battle that went down to the wire. Despite a late surge from the Bulldogs, the Raiders held on to secure the title, but the two teams are set for a rematch on Tuesday with conference implications still at stake.

The Raiders wasted no time making their mark on the game, with Anna Aey blasting a solo home run in the early innings to give South Range the lead. Giada Pauline and Ashley Rupert also contributed RBIs, while Jayli Wilt and Gretchen Bartels added runs batted in to bolster the offense. Solena DeJesus had a strong showing at the plate, going 2 for 4.

In the circle , South Range faced a tough Lakeview lineup, but they managed to hold their own, despite giving up some runs late in the game. The pitching staff combined for 7 innings, allowing 7 hits and 5 earned runs, while tallying 5 strikeouts.

Lakeview fought hard until the end, rallying in the bottom of the seventh inning with a two-run home run to make it a one-run game. Mack Stowe led the charge for the Bulldogs with 2 RBIs, while Isabella Isenberg and Izzy Haines also contributed RBIs Isenberg hit a home run along with Stowe. Kennedy Bartlett had a solid game, scoring a run.

Isenberg started the game on the mound, pitching 4 innings and allowing 8 hits and 5 earned runs while striking out 3 batters. Ava Bacon came in for relief, pitching 3 innings and allowing 2 hits while striking out 2 batters.

With the win, South Range secures the NE8 championship outright. However, the Raiders and Bulldogs will face off again on Tuesday, with Lakeview looking to force a share of the trophy with a victory.