For the last several seasons, three 9th Region softball teams have dominated their district opponents. The two longest streaks continued Thursday when Notre Dame and Highlands collected run-rule victories.
35th District Championship at George Bowman Park
Notre Dame 18, Beechwood 3 (3 innings)
The Pandas (14-9) have won 10 straight district championships continuing the longest run in the region dating back to Beechwood’s last crown in 2012. The Tigers dropped to 14-14, but still advanced to the region tournament for the third year in a row.
Sophomore Abby Turnpaugh (13-6) pitched a complete game for the Pandas striking out four and walking just one. The Pandas committed one error behind her. Turnpaugh also drove in two and scored twice at the plate.
Notre Dame batted .609 (14 for 23) overall. Eighth grade third baseman Addie Zinser went 3-for-4 with a double, five runs batted in and scored twice to lead the way. Senior left fielder Tori Danneman went 2-for-3 with a triple, two RBI and scored twice. Junior center fielder Ava McKinley went 2-for-3 with a double and RBI. Sophomore shortstop Ava Auberger went 2-for-3 scoring twice. Junior first baseman Emmy Martin scored three runs and batted in two. Senior second baseman Kayla Northcutt also scored three runs.
Beechwood batted .357 (5 for 14) overall. Senior center fielder Addison Durrett went 2-for-2, scoring once to lead the way. Senior shortstop Katie Rolf had a triple and drove in all three Tiger runs.
Senior Brooklyn McGuire (13-11) also pitched a complete game for Beechwood striking out two and walking five. The Tigers made seven errors behind her leading to nine unearned runs.
Notre Dame will play host to Cooper, Villa Madonna or Newport Central Catholic in the 9th Region Quarterfinals. Beechwood will travel to Ryle, Highlands or Dixie Heights in the region quarterfinals.
36th District Championship at Dayton
Highlands 15, Newport Central Catholic 0 (3 innings)
The Bluebirds (24-8-1) took care of the Thoroughbreds (13-10) to win their fifth straight district crown.
Freshman Kaitlyn Dixon (11-2) pitched a complete game striking out six and walking just one allowing one hit. The Bluebirds made no errors behind her.
Highlands batted .571 (8 for 14) overall. Junior center fielder Bailey Markus went 2-for-2 with a double, RBI and scored three runs with junior catcher Michelle Barth going 2-for-2 driving in one. Freshman shortstop Payton Brown, senior third baseman Carly Cramer and sophomore Lainey Kuhn doubled driving in two. Senior first baseman Kennedy Baioni added a triple. Freshman second baseman Morgan Pompilio and freshman right fielder Cam Markus scored two runs each.
Highlands will play host to Villa Madonna, Beechwood or Cooper in the region quarterfinals. NewCath will travel to Notre Dame, Dixie Heights or Ryle in the region quarterfinals.