Three Marion-area high school softball teams kicked off their OHSAA tournament runs with impressive opening-round victories on May 13, setting the stage for an exciting postseason ahead. Here's a closer look at how the action unfolded on the diamond.
Elgin Dominates in Run-Rule Victory
The No. 8 seed Comets traveled to face No. 6 Tree of Life and came away with a commanding 19-7 win in Division VI play. After holding a slim 9-6 lead, Elgin exploded for a 10-run sixth inning to put the game out of reach. Madison Hill was the star in the circle, tossing a five-hitter with three earned runs, no walks, and 11 strikeouts. She also made noise at the plate, hitting a triple and two singles while scoring four runs and driving in three. Graceylynn Edmonstone added a triple and double for four RBIs, while Destiny Frye, Hayleigh Lowther, and Mallorie Hempy each chipped in two singles. Melody Hicks doubled and Cobra Jackson crossed the plate three times. The Comets now advance to face No. 3 Grandview Heights on Tuesday, May 19 at 5 p.m. in a district semifinal.
Cardington Throws Perfect Game in Shutout
No. 5 Cardington made quick work of No. 12 Wellington, rolling to a 22-0 victory in a Division VI matchup that ended after five innings. Myleigh Bishop was untouchable in the circle, firing a no-hitter with two walks and eight strikeouts. At the plate, Celia Hall led the charge with a home run, triple, single, three runs, and three RBIs. Blake Cronin added a homer and double, while Kayden Burchett contributed a triple, double, and three runs. Maddy Toombs also doubled and tripled, and Alexis Longsdorf and Lana Littlemeyer each collected two singles. Bishop scored three runs in support of her own gem. The Pirates will travel to face No. 4 Berne Union on May 19 at 5 p.m. in a district semifinal.
Mount Gilead Holds Off East Knox
No. 10 Mount Gilead built an early 12-2 lead after three innings and held on for a 16-10 win over East Knox in Division VI action. Livie Brannon was the offensive catalyst, crushing a home run, double, and single while driving in six RBIs. Charlie Brannon added two singles, and Makayla McKenzie scored three times. In the circle, McKenlee Bump scattered 10 hits and two walks while striking out eight to secure the victory. Mount Gilead now faces a tough test against No. 1 Danville on May 19 at 5 p.m. in a district semifinal.
Ridgedale Falls in Tight Contest
In Division VII action, No. 5 Ridgedale battled but ultimately fell 5-3 to No. 2 Madison Christian. The Rockets found themselves in an early 5-0 hole but mounted a comeback, scoring all their runs in the top of the fifth inning. Ridgedale managed just four hits on the day, with Kiley Slone going 3-for-3 at the plate and Adyson Thomas tripling in two runs. Despite the loss, the Rockets showed fight and will look to build on this experience next season.
With district semifinals now set for May 19, Marion-area softball fans have plenty to cheer for as these teams continue their pursuit of championship glory.