Hillsdale wins Division III state softball title

Hillsdale earned another state championship in softball on Sunday.

The Falcons (29-5) defeated West Liberty-Salem 2-1 in the Division III championship game at Firestone Stadium.

With the victory, Hillsdale moved into a third-place tie with Archbishop Hoban with six state titles. The only schools with more are Springfield (nine) and Tallmadge (seven).

Hillsdale vs. West Liberty-Salem Story Link: http://www.ohio.com/sports/95749539.html.

How Hillsdale won the Division III state championship

Falcons senior pitcher Adrienne Young, who logged only 22 innings in the circle until 2010, moved her record to 19-1 by allowing three hits, walking three and striking out eight.

The Falcons scored twice in the bottom of the first. Senior outfielder Carly West led off with a bunt single and was sacrificed to second. Sophomore catcher Jenn Moore followed with a long single to right field to score West. Moore later scored on an infield error.

The Tigers (27-4), who finished fourth in the final state poll and were seeking their first state title, scored in the sixth when Abbey Ledford, a Kent State recruit, doubled and scored on a single by Becky Peterson.

Young breezed through the first three innings, but ran into trouble in the fourth, when she pitched out of a bases-loaded, no-outs situation, and the sixth, when a sharp double play started by freshman second baseman Ashlee Cutlip held the Tigers to one run.

Quotes

Hillsdale second-year coach Tiffany Smith

''I always said I would like to take them to state and win state. It's wonderful to be able to follow [former Hillsdale coach] Cathy Applegate. I picked up my philosophy from her.''

Hillsdale senior shortstop Rashel Louis

''There is a winning tradition and it feels great to come all the way this year. It feels great to get another trophy in that case.''

Hillsdale senior pitcher Adrienne Young

''I like pressure situations. It makes me fight back even more.''

Notes

-- Hillsdale, which won the Wayne County League for the 20th time in 21 years, finished 10th in the final state poll.

-- Smith played on state-championship teams for the Falcons in 1999 and 2000 under then-coach Cathy Applegate.

-- Hillsdale never trailed in its eight tournament games and outscored its opponents 40-5.