LeFever singles for walk-off win

BLUFFTON — The two-time defending regional champs almost got bounced in the first game of the tournament.

They walked-off to keep their title hopes alive instead.

Kayla LeFever hit a single to left field in the bottom of the eighth inning Tuesday, scoring Alivia Bergman from third base and propelling the South Adams High School softball team to a 6-5 victory over the Canterbury Cavaliers in the opening round of the Class 2A Sectional 36 tournament at Bluffton.

The Starfires (18-7) advance to the sectional semifinal against Allen County Athletic Conference rival Woodlan at 5:30 p.m. tonight. South Adams won the regular season contest 1-0 May 8.

Bergman singled to start the bottom of the eighth inning before stealing second. She reached third on a fielder’s choice ahead of LeFever’s game-winning hit.

Canterbury scored four times in the top of the second inning for a 4-1 advantage before South Adams, which has won back-to-back regional champions, got one back in the bottom of the second. The Cavs were out front 5-3 heading into the bottom of the seventh, failing to keep the lead.



Patriots top Indians

WINCHESTER — Jay County’s boys golf team picked up a 189-199 victory over the host Union City Indians on Tuesday at Winchester Golf Club.

Senior Collin Haines shot a 4-over par 40 to lead the Patriots. Devin Harris had a career-low 46, and Griffin Mann shot 49 for third on the team.

Joey Hall’s 60 completed the team total.

Tait Longsworth also competed, but his 61 did not factor into the team score.



Stars fall to Knights

BLUFFTON — The South Adams boys golf team had two players in the 40s Tuesday but it wasn’t enough in a 187-220 loss to the host Norwell Knights at Timber Ridge Golf Club.

David Muselman, a senior, led the Starfires with a 45, two strokes behind match medalist Jacob Collins. Eli Hamrick was second for South Adams with 47, and Blaine Harruff shot 59. Spencer Fear carded a 69 to round out the team score.

Korbin Dunnuck’s round of 79 did not factor into the Starfires’ total.



Homestead handles Display Craft

Homestead Quality Bedding got three hits from five different players in an 11-5 win over Display Craft in Minor softball action of Portland Junior League.

Harlow Hough and Stella Skirvin had a double and two singles apiece for Homestead, which also got three singles each from Gabi Petro, Ayla Jackson and Layla Armstrong.

Presleigh Hough collected a double and two singles for Display Craft, which also got three singles from Kendall Schemenaur and Chaley Butler.



Winner leads in victory

Mallory Winner had a double and two RBIs Tuesday, leading Jay County Therapeutics to an 8-4 victory over Crossroads Financial Federal Credit Union in PJL’s Minor softball division.

Savannah Lugar, Dakota Chowning and Cassie Petro also had hits for Jay County Therapeutics in the win.

Jordan Hutzler had the only hit for Crossroads in the loss.



Fisher gets redemption

Fisher Packing got a bit of redemption Tuesday, beating First Bank of Berne 14-9 in PJL’s Minor softball division.

First Bank of Berne defeated Fisher 12-11 Saturday.

In Tuesday’s contest, Jasmine Esparza, Adriene Denney and Kenzie Tobe all singled in the win for Fisher.

Brena Brewster, Macee Stephen and Alyssa Aker each had hits for First Bank of Berne.



Lodge beats Graphic

Jay Lodge 87 earned a 14-7 win over Graphic Printing in the Major softball division of PJL.

Justice Day smacked a triple and a double to lead Jay Lodge. Rieley Brewster collected a double and a single, while Drew Dressel added a double. Grace Brewster, Kristen Wendel, Lauren Brewster and Brenna Haines each had singles.