8-run inning powers South Range to district title

CANFIELD, Ohio (WKBN) – South Range softball once again claimed a Division III District Championship with an 13-3 win over Columbiana on Thursday.

Watch extended highlights and reaction from the Raiders on a fifth consecutive district title in the video above.

Despite the final score, it was Columbiana jumping out in front 2-0 after a two-run single from Caitlynn Pleska. The Clippers junior would also add a solo home run to finish with three runs batted in.

But it was the 5th inning when the Raiders broke it open with eight runs, highlighted by a Heidi Bartels grand slam to take the 11-3 lead.

Then in the bottom of the 6th inning, Jayli Wilt cranked a two-run home run to end the game in a run rule. She finished with three RBI on the day and tossed a complete game in the circle.

Sophomore Keira Brogan led the team with three hits and added an RBI and two runs scored.

After the loss, Columbiana’s season comes to an end at 25-5 overall after setting a new school record for wins in a single season.

South Range improves to 26-3 with the win and advances to take on Massillon Tuslaw in the regional semifinal on May 22 at 2:00 p.m. at Roehm Athletic Complex in Berea.

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