Lakewood holds off Maysville; heads to regional final

• Brenna Brownfield and Megan Davis hit two-run homers for Lakewood
• Bailey Brownfield had three hits off Maysville ace Madison Riggle

PICKERINGTON – Courtney Vierstra was dominant with her arm, but her glove and athleticism saved Lakewood Thursday at Pickerington Central.

The 6-foot sophomore pitcher, who also plays basketball, speared a one-out, bases-loaded line drive and quicky threw to third for the double play, finishing the Lancers' 4-1 Division II regional semifinal win against Maysville.

"I knew she (the runner) at third would go on contact, and I was able to make the play," said Vierstra, who pitched a three-hitter, struck out nine and hit a batter. "Most of us have played softball since we were 10, and we have such good chemistry, it helps with the nerves."

"She's just so calm out there, and keeps her composure," sophomore Brenna Brownfield said.

Brownfield and Megan Davis hit two-run homers for Lakewood (30-1), which plays Fairfield Union (16-4) at noon Saturday for the regional title and first state berth since 2010's championship.

The Panthers (18-11) managed just two baserunners and one hit through six innings off Vierstra. But a hit batsman, double and infield single loaded the bases. After a popout to Vierstra, Maysville cut its deficit to 4-1 on an error, before things ended suddenly.

"If that thing goes through, who knows what happens?" Maysville coach Greg Vaughn said. "She (Vierstra) is a good pitcher, but I was a little disappointed with how we approached her early. We didn't put much pressure on her, then finally we started to gauge her.

"They're just a good team, as good as anyone we've played, and we've played some Division I teams. But we basically got beat by two swings of the bat."

Brownfield's first-inning two-run shot to right-center came with senior sister Bailey aboard and helped set the tone. "To jump up 2-0, gives us confidence and gets them down a little," coach Criss Nadolson said.

Brenna was expecting a first-pitch strike, after her sister and Kate Peacock got them.

"I was looking for that," she said. "I just took advantage and got a good swing on it."

"I can always count on Brenna to hit the ball hard somewhere," Vierstra said. "It made me a lot more confident."

Lakewood didn't do much else against Maysville ace Madison Riggle until the sixth, when Brenna Brownfield was hit by a pitch and one out later, freshman Davis cranked a two-run homer to left-center.

"This her first year of softball, and she can hit really well," Brenna said. "She's played baseball up until now."

"Megan is a good athlete, a strong kid," Nadolson said. "She can hit them out, there's no doubt about that."

Bailey Brownfield had three hits off Riggle, who allowed seven hits, struck out three and walked three.

"We knew she was good pitcher coming in, a very good pitcher," Nadolson said. "You have someone like her, you're going to be in the game. To get two two-run homers off of her, I doubt that's happened much."

Now, the Lancers face another good-pitching team in Fairfield Union, which blanked Dover 2-0 Wednesday.

"They're good, really solid," Vierstra said. "We're a little nervous, but I think more excited. If we play like we know we can play, I think we have a good chance."

dweidig@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8557

Twitter: @noz75