Clay really stepped up their defense in the latter innings with two great plays by freshman Josie Hughes in left field, another by sophomore Emily Spriggs in right field, and two more fantastic plays in the top half of the seventh by freshman shortstop Marissa Messer to close it out. Lindsay Mader pitched a whale of a ballgame holding Eastern's hot bats to only two runs. It was definitely one of the best and hardest played games of the tournament.
Clay (22-7) moves on to a rubber match with Symmes Valley Saturday at Pickerington in the regional semifinal. Clay and Symmes Valley split their two games during the regular season with each taking close wins at home. Should be a great game.
Winners will take on either Strasburg-Franklin or Danville in the regional final.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLAY LADY PANTHERS ON THEIR FOUR-PEAT DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!!!
