Indian Lake’s softball team clinched its second straight outright Central Buckeye Conference Mad River division championship Wednesday with a 3-1 victory over visiting Springfield Shawnee.
The Lakers are now 19-2 overall and 13-2 in the CBC. They hold a three-game lead over second-place Shawnee with one league game remaining.
“This team is one of the most talented softball teams from top to bottom that I have ever coached,” said second-year Laker head coach John Stahl. “Their softball knowledge is unparalleled. The effort, hustle and will to win is amazing. They always pick each other up and have each other’s backs.
“Every single game over the last two years someone steps up in a crucial spot and does something to help the team win. I’ve seen it so many times, but it still amazes me.”
The Braves fall to 16-6, 10-5. Indian Lake led 1-0 after one inning. The Braves tied the game briefly after scoring a run in the top of the third.
Indian Lake regained the lead with a run in the bottom of the third. The Lakers added an insurance run in the fifth.
Katie Roby had a huge day for the Lakers at the plate, hitting two home runs and adding a triple and two RBI. Halle Roby added two hits and an RBI for Indian Lake.
Madison Brentlinger earned another win in the pitching circle for the Lakers. She gave up six hits, struck out two and did not walk a batter. The run was not earned. Indian Lake beat the Braves 3-2 in the first matchup on Monday.
“We had some great defensive plays in these two games against Shawnee,” said Stahl. “We also had some huge hits by players I didn’t expect to get them. That’s the sign of a great team. The girls have taught me many things about myself as a person and coach.
“When they talk about something in a serious manner, I listen. The coaches and I have great relationships with these young ladies. They have spent lots of time, energy, sweat and blood to become a great quality softball team. They earned and deserve back-to back CBC titles by doing everything the right way. I am proud of every player on the team and the entire coaching staff.”
The Lakers will host Lima Bath today for a non-league game.
INDIAN LAKE 3
SP. SHAWNEE 1
Braves 001 000 0 — 1 6 0
Lakers 101 010 X — 3 7 1
WP—Brentlinger; LP—Trimmer.