ROCKETS RUN OUT OF FUEL IN DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP

BEREA OH- Maplewood’s Cinderella ride came to a halt Friday as the Rockets fell 5-2 to Cuyahoga Heights in the district title game.

It was a tight one early, with both teams trading zeros until the Redwolves scratched one across in the fourth on a groundout. The real damage came in the seventh, when Aly Williams launched a two-run shot to left that gave Cuyahoga Heights some breathing room.

Addison Marker battled for the Rockets in the circle, going the distance and racking up 13 punchouts. But despite her gritty effort, Maplewood couldn’t string together enough offense to climb out of the hole.

Claire Urchek set the tone from the top of the order, going 2-for-3. Marker and Aleesia Woomer each drove in a run, but the lineup couldn’t break through against Skylar Sane, who scattered six hits and kept Maplewood at bay for seven innings.

Defensively, the Rockets were clean—no errors and solid glove work all around, with Raegan Krieg leading the charge with 13 chances.

Williams was the spark plug for Cuyahoga Heights, going 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs and a homer. She also wreaked havoc on the basepaths with Sophia Meklemburg, as the Redwolves swiped four bags on the day.

Tough ending for Maplewood, but no one can overlook the growth. Ten more wins than last season and a trip to the district final? That’s a leap. The Rockets may be done this year, but they’ve got fuel for the future.