Franklin's softball team put on an absolute power display in their Division III tournament opener, crushing five home runs en route to a dominant 13-2 victory over Chaminade Julienne on Thursday, May 14.
The biggest blast of the night belonged to Adrian Allen, who launched a grand slam in the fifth inning to end the game early via the mercy rule. In doing so, Allen etched her name into the Franklin record books, setting new school marks for both career home runs and career RBI—a testament to her remarkable consistency at the plate.
She wasn't alone in the power surge. Heidi Brooks, Peyton Everitt, Kydee Shults, and Meredith Zehring all went deep, with Zehring's homer marking her 100th career hit—a milestone that speaks to her longevity and skill. This victory marks the second straight season Franklin has eliminated CJ in the opening round, establishing a budding postseason rivalry.
The Wildcats improved to 15-13 overall and now set their sights on Sidney in a Tuesday, May 19 matchup. CJ finishes their season at 10-8.
In other action around the diamond: Northmont kept their hot streak alive, winning seven of their last eight games after a 12-2 victory over Wayne. Jayden Snyder drove in three runs, while Chase Fuduloff added two hits and two RBI to fuel the Thunderbolts' offense.
Badin continued their dominant run, improving to 20-3 overall with a 4-1 win over Springboro. Austin Vangen knocked in two runs, and Carson Lowe earned the win in relief. The Rams will carry an impressive 16-game win streak into a marquee matchup against Centerville at Great American Ball Park on Saturday, May 16—a game that promises to showcase two of the area's best teams.
Carroll celebrated senior night in style, blanking Xenia 2-0 behind Joseph Weston's two-run double and Aaron McGlothen's complete-game shutout, which featured 12 strikeouts. Chaminade Julienne's Isaac Sullivan matched that dominance, fanning 15 batters in a complete-game shutout of Piqua, with Harris Vogelgesang doubling and driving in two runs to support the effort.
Butler bounced back emphatically, crushing Greenville 17-0 as Jackson Schilling and Carson Heis each tallied three hits and five RBI. The Aviators improved to 21-4, showcasing the depth that has made them a force this season.
Sidney handled Indian Lake 8-2, with Draven Ferguson and Brooks Taylor each driving in two runs, while Jordan Shipe struck out eight in a complete-game effort. Tecumseh extended their winning streak to five games with an 8-3 victory over Northeastern, as Reid Olinger drove in two runs and Carter Olinger crossed the plate three times.
In the Reds Futures High School Showcase, Middletown Madison's Carson Cresong earned PNC Bank MVP honors after striking out 10 batters in a 21-5 rout of Purcell Marian. Brookville's Lucas Horn and Blake Sprada each pushed across three runs in a 12-5 win over Franklin Monroe.
Ross got a home run from Griffin Mueller in an 8-2 senior night victory over Kings, while Eaton's Haydn Scott slapped two doubles and drove in three runs to lead a 6-4 win over Coldwater. Arcanum's Regan Christ was a two-way star, striking out 12 over seven innings while adding three hits and two runs scored in a 5-2 win over Marion Local.
Dixie's Noah Thompson lined three doubles and finished with five RBI as part of a 22-1 blowout of Catholic Central, and Mechanicsburg's Conner Eyink doubled to help secure an 8-1 win over Riverside.