Lady Lions end season in districts

    The Fairfield Lady Lions had its tournament run come to an end Thursday evening in a Division IV SE District semifinal game at Minford High School, to the Eastern Meigs Lady Eagles by a score of 10-0.  

    "It was an absolutely beautiful day for softball," FHS assistant coach Tom Purtell said. "This game was a rematch of the 13-inning marathon, 1-0 Lady Lion victory, of a year ago. Both teams knew each other well and were ready to play."

    But Lady Lions (15-9, 10-3 SHL) could not get their offense started against the 22-win Lady Eagles.  

    "Our hitters had good swings at All-Ohio pitcher Kasey Turley today but could not generate base runners or runs," Purtell said.

    The Eastern Lady Eagles (22-4) scored two unearned runs in the bottom of the third inning and came back with five more runs on five hits in the bottom of the fourth inning. Eastern Meigs completed its scoring with two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.

    The Lady Lions generated two base runners on the day. Kylie Bates drew a base on balls on the third inning and Gabby Boone singled in the fifth inning.

    Lauren Larrick (14-9) suffered the loss for the Lady Lions. Kasey Turley (19-3) was the winning pitcher for the Lady Eagles.   

    Larrick pitched 4 1-3 innings, allowing 13 hits, 10 runs (eight earned) and one walk. Larrick had five strikeouts. Turley pitched five innings, allowing one hit, one walk and no runs. Turley had five strikeouts.         

    "We would like to thank the many fans that made the trip to Minford this afternoon to support our team," Purtell said. 

    The Lady Lions say goodbye to their only senior, Gabby Boone. Boone is a four-year varsity player and a three-year varsity starter at first base for the Lady Lions.  

    "In a long and storied program, Gabby Boone stands out as one of the best defensive first basemen to ever play the position for the Lady Lions," Purtell said. "Gabby worked hard this past year to make herself better offensively and led the Lady Lions in batting average this season. Gabby is a hard worker and a leader on and off the field. Gabby has the ability to make her teammates better, and she will be missed."

    The Fairfield Lady Lions finish the season as the Southern Hills League runners-up in Division II. FHS won its 24th sectional title and its 8th consecutive sectional championship. 

    The Lady Lions had three players named to the All-SHL team, including: Whitney Hanenkrat, Heather Huff and Lauren Larrick. Larrick was named to the first-team All-Southeast District and Hanenkrat and Huff were named second-team All- Southeast District. Boone was named honorable mention All-Southeast District.