Softball Recap: Champion Snaps 14-Game Streak of Wins on the Road

Champion dropped their record down to 11-2 on Thursday, which also ended the team's 14-game streak of wins on the road dating back to last season. They took a 7-3 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Lakeview Bulldogs. The Golden Flashes were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Bulldogs apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in May of 2024.

Champion saw six different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Gabrielle Gradishar, who got on base in all four of her plate appearances with two doubles, one run, and one RBI.

As for Lakeview, the win (which was their fourth in a row) raised their record to 10-3. The victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.3 runs on average over those games.

On Lakeview's side, Isabella Isenberg made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off six hits. Isenberg has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three RBI.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Kennedy Bartlett, who went 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. She has been hot recently, having posted three or more hits the last three times she's played. Another player making a difference was Mackenzie Stowe, who went 2-for-4 with two RBI and one run.

Champion and Lakeview should be looking forward to their upcoming games as both have a sizable advantage in the MaxPreps Ohio Rankings. The Golden Flashes (ranked 16th) will meet Liberty (ranked 400th) at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Meanwhile, Lakeview will take on Girard at 5:00 p.m. on Friday with a big rank advantage (81 vs. 370).