Lady Leopards Outlast Rams 3-2 in Ten Innings to Advance to State Championship – Softball
Louisville 3, Mansfield Madison 2, 10 Innings
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The Louisville Leopards Softball Team edged the Mansfield Madison Comprehensive Rams 3-2 in ten innings in the DIII State Semifinals during a hot morning-turned-afternoon battle at Akron Firestone Stadium. With their seventh straight victory, Louisville improves to 18-13 on the season and advances to play the Bloom-Carroll Bulldogs in the DIII State Championship Game on Saturday, June 6 at 8:00 PM at Akron Firestone Stadium.
“Today it took a lot of fight, a lot of energy, and everything we had in all of our girls’ bodies. They showed up and they were ready to go. It didn’t go exactly how we thought it was going to go — we’ve been scoring a lot of runs in our games so far — but the drive, the fight, and the perseverance from all of these girls showed. They didn’t give up. They just kept going and going. I’m super proud of them.” – Sarah Cantley, Louisville Coach
Louisville Vs. Madison Q92 Audio Broadcast
Sirohman’s Solo Homer Puts Leopards in Front in Opening Frame
Anna Sirohman smashed a solo homer on a line drive to center field to put the Lady Leopards in front 1-0 in the opening frame. The solo shot proved critical down the stretch as the two teams battled into extra innings knotted at 1-1.
The home run was Sirohman’s fifth of the season, tying her with Kaitlin Twinem for the team lead as Louisville has now sent 23 balls out of the park this season. Sirohman follows in the footsteps of her sister Justina Sirohman, who homered in the 2019 state championship game, as both sisters have now hit state tournament home runs at Firestone Stadium — a venue where Babe Ruth once went deep.
Louisville Vs. Madison WHBC Audio Broadcast
Miller Fans Fifteen in Tone-Setting Complete Game Win
Katelynn Miller pitched all ten innings, allowing two runs on eight hits while walking three and striking out 15. Miller set the tone early by striking out the side in order in the first inning. The Rams put runners on first and second in the second frame, but Miller ended that inning with back-to-back strikeouts to keep Louisville in front 1-0.
“It took a lot of focus…It was really important to know that I had my team behind me and that I could work the zone the way I wanted to.” – Katelynn Miller, Louisville Pitcher
Miller also recorded strikeouts to end the third, fourth, and sixth innings before adding back-to-back punchouts to close the ninth. The Rams stranded 10 runners on base as a result.
“Kate has thrown spectacularly for us all season, and she’s really come through in the playoffs and just blossomed as a whole. If she’s giving everything she has, we know we have to support her and do everything we can to keep going.” – Addy Campbell, Louisville Catcher
AP’s Studio Louisville Vs. Madison Video
Berkshire’s Fourth-Inning Single Knots Game at 1-1
After a battle, Campbell Kiser drew a nine-pitch walk to lead off the bottom of the fourth for Madison. She then swiped second and eventually scored on a two-out single by Makena Berkshire to tie the game at 1-1.
Leopards Escape Rams’ Threats to Keep Score Tied
The Rams threatened again in the fifth inning as Avery O’Brien and Izzy Wamsley started the frame with back-to-back singles. However, they advanced no further as Miller retired the next three Madison batters on an infield fly, a three-pitch strikeout, and an emphatic diving catch by Sirohman at third base. Sirohman spiked the ball immediately after the catch as the team charged into the dugout and headed to the sixth.
“Just working hard for our pitcher and making those big-moment plays. We’ve been up through our whole playoff run, so we haven’t really been in those super high-pressure moments, but it was about working through that and playing for each other.” – Anna Sirohman, Louisville First Basemen
Allie Shrader bunted aboard on an error to begin the Madison sixth inning. However, the Rams were retired in order after that to send the game to the seventh inning.
Mansfield Madison’s best chance to win the game came when Wamsley ripped a one-out triple to deep left field. The Rams elected to have Lexi Lewis bunt down the third-base line, but Sirohman made a textbook play, looking Wamsley back at third and throwing out Lewis at first base. Miller got Clapper to fly out to center field on the next play. Leah Claugus confidently squeezed it to end the threat and followed with a leaping, head-nodding celebration as the game went into extra innings.
Louisville Breaks Through in the Tenth
Neither team threatened over the next two innings. Twinem made a diving stab at shortstop to end the eighth inning, and Miller worked a 1-2-3 ninth, fanning the final two Rams batters.
“Having a really composed pitcher keeps the defense behind you really calm and ready for everything…They are going to look at you and know you are confident either way.” – Katelynn Miller, Louisville Pitcher
Twinem singled on a hard ground ball to left field on the first pitch of the tenth inning. She then stole second and advanced to third on a groundout by Shae O’Neill. After a meeting in the circle, Madison elected to intentionally walk Bailee Griffith. Griffith took first while emphatically yelling to charge up the dugout. She was then replaced by courtesy runner Olivia Gulling, who advanced to second on defensive indifference following the next pitch. The table was set.
“When they intentionally walked Bailee…just knowing that even if they walk her, Taylor got the job done. That was such a big moment for her.” – Anna Sirohman, Louisville Third Basemen
The Rams wanted to face Taylor Thompson instead of Griffith, and they got their wish. Thompson grounded to Wamsley at short and she went home with the throw. Twinem slid in safely before catcher Berkshire could apply the tag, putting the Lady Leopards in front 2-1.
Maggie Baker followed with an RBI groundout to second base to plate Gulling with what proved to be a much-needed insurance run, giving Louisville a 3-1 lead.
“Knowing that we have a lot of depth on the bench and in the lineup is really helpful…There’s people behind you that will hit the ball and get the job done for you.” – Katelynn Miller, Louisville Pitcher
The Lady Leopards had come through in the tenth inning again, just as they did in their last state tournament game played at Firestone Stadium — the 2019 State Championship Game.
Madison Doesn’t Go Quietly
Mansfield Madison Comprehensive lost its seventh game in a row to drop to 10-14 back on May 12 following a 10-0 loss at Dover. Madison then did the improbable, winning its next six contests, including a 3-1 victory over Uniontown Lake to advance to the state tournament for the first time in 31 years.
The resilient Rams were not going to go out quietly. Lewis drew a walk on a full count to start the bottom half of the tenth inning. Miller then got Caliyah Clapper to strike out swinging for the first out. Kiser then followed with a double to left field that scored Lewis from first to pull Madison within 3-2.
Campbell Throws Down to Baker for a Huge Second Out
Gulling threw home on the play and the ball reached the glove of catcher Addy Campbell well after Lewis had scored. However, the throw caused Kiser to make an attempt for third and Campbell fired the ball to Baker at second base. Kiser made a diving attempt back to second base, but Baker applied the tag just before Kiser could get her hand on the bag. The umpire made a definitive out call, and Baker jumped up fired up as her teammates converged near the middle of the diamond.
“We always try and slow the game down and really be where our feet are. We always say, ‘Smell the roses and blow out the candles.’ We have to take a deep breath and collect ourselves for those high-pressure situations because we cannot rush it. We have to take our time and play how we know how.” – Addy Campbell, Louisville Catcher
Twinem Finds Immediate Redemption as Leps Punch Ticket to Final
Shrader reached base on an infield hit after Twinem was unable to scoop a weak grounder into her glove, giving the Rams a flicker of hope. However, Twinem got immediate redemption, handling a hard hop off the turf and throwing to Thompson at first base to retire Chloe Jeffers for the final out. Twinem threw her glove down, ran into the pitcher’s circle, and leaped into the arms of Miller. The whole team followed, celebrating a berth in the state championship game for the second time in team history.
Clapper Strikes Out 8 to Lead Madison in Loss
Clapper also pitched a complete game for Mansfield Madison, allowing three runs on seven hits while issuing one walk and striking out eight. Clapper struck out four of the first five Leopard hitters she faced, with Sirohman’s solo shot being the only exception. After that homer, Clapper worked eight scoreless innings, recording 27 outs without allowing another run until Louisville finally broke through in the tenth.
“As a pitcher your mentality is you just have to flush it and trust your teammates to cover your back the next time around.” – Caliyah Clapper, Madison Pitcher
The Rams out-hit the Leopards 9-7 for the game, but held a 10-4 disadvantage in runners left on base. Wamsley led the offense, going 3-for-5 in the leadoff position, and Jeffers also had a multi-hit game, finishing 2-for-5.
Mansfield Madison Comprehensive finishes the season 16-15 overall after finishing the regular season 12-14. The historic year for the Rams marks just their second run to the state tournament in team history. They lost by the same 3-2 score to Akron Springfield in the 1995 DI State Semifinals.
“We turned things around. The way that we played during the tournament, the way that we banded together as teammates — all of those things. They played their hearts out. It’s the first time in 31 years that we have been here.” – Tim Niswander, Madison Head Coach
Louisville Softball Advances to Second State Championship
Before breaking through in 2019, Louisville Softball had never won a district title in five attempts. The 2019 team edged the Lake Blue Streaks 1-0 to finally break through and then won four more unforgettable games to win its first state title.
Most of this year’s Lady Leopards squad watched that 2019 team and dreamed of becoming like them someday. That day has arrived, as the seeds planted in 2019 have blossomed into Louisville’s second state championship appearance in team history.
“It’s such a full-circle moment to be where are feet are and really take in this atmosphere and all these little eyes on us. It fires me up and makes me wants to do my best possible for them.”
“I think it gives us something to play for. It gives us something to show them, that you can do this, this is possible. I think its definitely something to play for” – Katelynn Miller, Louisville Pitcher
Louisville Softball joins Louisville Wrestling as the only Louisville programs to advance to the state championship game or match twice. Lady Leopards Softball has dominated in the new division format. They are 10-1 in the postseason, outscoring the opposition 99-24 in those Division III tournament contests.
“I think we were prepared before the tournament run for high-pressure situations. I think we were in a lot throughout the season, like we were losing games by one run. Being able to play those in the season and being here we were prepared…We still have that same feeling and that same trust for each other.” – Katelynn Miller, Louisville Pitcher
Louisville is now 55-39 in the postseason all-time, which includes a historic-best 21-5 run since 2019. The Lady Leopards are now an even 17-17 all-time when playing on a neutral diamond in the postseason and a perfect 7-0 at Firestone Stadium.
<<< Previous Vs. Hoban | Tournament History | Next Vs. Bloom-Carroll >>>
They will look to keep that perfect mark at Firestone Stadium when they return to Akron Saturday night to take on the three-time state champion Bloom-Carroll Bulldogs.
“Definitely a full-circle moment. Super emotional today. Something I went through that now these girls get to experience it…These girls are so deserving of everything that they are getting right now…Now its like that full-circle of here they are and now they’re going to do it for the next generation too. We are always going to have this goal and the Louisville community showed up and showed out, and so proud, their awesome.”
UP NEXT: The Lady Leopards will take on the Bloom-Carroll Bulldogs in the DIII State Championship Game on Saturday, June 6 at 8:00 PM at Akron Firestone Stadium.
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Louisville Vs. Mansfield Madison Softball Box Score
LEOPARDS 3, RAMS 2
Team 123-456-789-10—R-H-E
Louisville 100-000-000-2—3-7-2
Madison 000-100-000-1—2-9-0
LOUISVILLE LEOPARDS BATTING
| Player | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leah Claugus #14 (CF) | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Anna Sirohman #27 (3B) | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Katelynn Miller #16 (P) | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| –Lilly Seaman #2 (CR) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Addy Campbell #4 (C) | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Kaitlin Twinem #8 (SS) | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Shae O’Neill #99 (RF) | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bailee Griffith #6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| –Olivia Gulling #29 (CR) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Taylor Thompson #22 (1B) | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| –Mia VerBeck #10 (PR) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Maggie Baker #17 (2B) | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| TEAM | 36 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 8 |
HR: Anna Sirohman
TB: Anna Sirohman 5, Kaitlin Twinem 2, Katelynn Miller 1, Maggie Baker 1, Shae O’Neill 1
SB: Kaitlin Twinem
E: Kaitlin Twinem, Maggie Baker
LOUISVILLE LEOPARDS PITCHING
| Pitcher | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Katelynn Miller #16 (W) | 10.0 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 15 |
| TEAM | 10.0 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 15 |
Pitches-Strikes: Katelynn Miller 155-106
Batters Faced: Katelynn Miller 42
MADISON COMPREHENSIVE RAMS BATTING
| Player | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Izzy Wamsley #44 (SS) | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Lexi Lewis #9 (3B) | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Caliyah Clapper #8 (P) | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Campbell Kiser #4 (2B) | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Allie Shrader #26 (LF) | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Chloe Jeffers #11 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Makena Berkshire #16 (C, LF) | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| –Abbey McWilliams (CR) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sophie Lowe #28 (1B) | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Avery O’Brien #10 (CF) | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| TEAM | 39 | 2 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 15 |
2B: Campbell Kiser
3B: Izzy Wamsley
TB: Izzy Wamsley 5, Campbell Kiser 2, Chloe Jeffers 2, Avery O’Brien 1, Makena Berkshire 1
SB: Campbell Kiser
MADISON COMPREHENSIVE RAMS PITCHING
| Pitcher | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliyah Clapper #8 | 10.0 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 8 |
| TEAM | 10.0 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 8 |
WP: Caliyah Clapper
Pitches-Strikes: Caliyah Clapper 138-95
Batters Faced: Caliyah Clapper 37
