Trying to navigate through Indian Lake’s softball lineup is an unenviable task for opposing pitchers.
The Lakers came into Monday’s district semifinal game averaging over 11 runs per contest while recording a team batting average of .442.
“I’ve been involved in softball for 25 years, and I’ve never had a team that can hit one through nine in the order like this one can,” said Indian Lake head softball coach John Stahl.
The Lakers again showed off their balance and power by collecting 14 hits in a 10-0 six-inning romp over visiting Tri-Village on Monday.
The Lakers (22-3) advance to play Clermont Northeastern in a Division III district championship game Thursday at Centerville High School.
All but one batter in the lineup Monday had at least one hit for the Lakers.
The number-nine hitter Reece Martin, who is also a track standout, had a pair of hits and scored two runs.
“It’s great as a coach to know every girl in the lineup is capable of getting a big hit,” said Stahl. “There are no weak spots.”
As they have been all season, the Lakers were solid in the pitching circle and in the field as well against the Patriots.
Junior pitcher Madison Brentlinger allowed just two infield singles while striking out five and walking none.
“Madison’s MO all year has been keeping hitters off-balance,” said Stahl. “She does a great job of mixing up her pitches … she has about four or five different pitches she throws. (Assistant coach) Clint Zedeker is a great pitch caller and we have a great defense behind her. We have been strong in all three facets all year.”
After two scoreless innings, the Lakers broke through with five runs in the third inning.
Indian Lake took advantage of five hits and an error to plate the five runs.
The Lakers scored once in the fourth and once in the fifth to increase their lead to 7-0.
They put the game away with three runs in the bottom of the sixth.
Haylee Edwards and Hannah Marlow each had three hits to help fuel Indian Lake’s offense.
Mackenzie Dixon was 2-3 with three RBI, Halle Roby had a pair of RBI and Porscha Davis and Katie Roby each added a double for the Lakers.
Yet to be challenged through two tournament games, Stahl expects his team to face a stiffer test Thursday against a Clermont Northeastern team that won its division in the Southern Buckeye Athletic Conference. The Rockets are 19-5 on the season.
“We just have to keep doing the same thing,” said Stahl of the key to Thursday’s district title game. “We are not going to change a thing. We have to pitch, field and hit the ball well. Hopefully, we keep doing all three facets well.”
INDIANLAKE 10, TRI-VILLAGE 0
Patriots 000 000 — 0 2 2
Lakers 005 113 — 10 14 1
WP—Brentlinger; LP—Poling.