MASSILLON OH- After a dramatic comeback in the regional semifinals on Thursday, Springfield faced just a one day turnaround to get ready for the regional finals.  With no time to let nerves kick in the Tigers came in ready to go Saturday night with a trip to Dayton on the line. Standing on the other side of the Tigers was reigning regional champion Buckeye Central, who beat Springfield out of the tournament last season.  The Buckeyes were trying to take another trip to Dayton, while the Tigers were looking for their program’s first.

Soringfield came out fast. Madi Lesnak hit the first shot they took as the Tigers took a quick 3-0 lead. That put some fuel in the Tigers offense as they scored on their first couple possessions to take a 9-5 lead after 1.  After that, the defensive flow of the game everyone expected coming in showed up.  The two teams combined for 7 points in the second quarter, and Springfield took an 11-10 lead in to halftime.  The Buckeye did find some momentum though, as they drilled a buzzer beater to end the half.  That got their stroke coming as the Buckeyes drilled 3 threes in their 12 point third quarter. It was by far the most productive frame of the Buckeyes night.  The Tigers were ready to push back though, as they answered ever score in the quarter with one of their own.  They still won the quarter 13-12.  The Tigers would add 10 more fourth quarter points and celebrate their first ever regional championship under the lights in Massillon.

Springfield was led on the night by their all time leading scorer Jacey Mullen with 13 points.  Jameka Brungard found herself in double figures as well and finished the night with 10 points.  Madi Lesnak added 5 points, while Mariana Tuscano and Ava Vecchione both contributed 3.

The Tigers will now look ahead to a trip to the University of Dayton for the state semifinals. They will be playing Toledo Christian on Thursday at 6:00.