SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Forget the high gas prices. The Symmes Valley Senior League All-Stars would have gladly paid any price for a fill-up in Monday’s Central Regional championship game.

The Ohio representatives needed 12 grueling innings to beat Michigan 1-0, then came right back to play the title game against Indiana District 11 which resulted in a 14-4 loss in five innings.

“We just ran out of gas. It was hot and stressful and the second game was supposed to start at 12:30 and we got off the field at 20 minutes to one and they said they were starting the game at one,” said Symmes Valley coach Bill Nance.

“We just didn’t have anything left.”

If the Ohio All-Stars could have summoned enough energy to win the second game, they would have earned a trip to the Senior League Softball World Series in New Jersey.

Symmes Valley scored the only run of the game in the 12th inning to be Michigan 1-0 in the Central Regional semifinal game.

“It was a heck of a game. The kids played hard on both sides. It was a nail-biter,” said Nance.

Abbey Barrett led of the 12th with a walk, Chelsea Wall was safe on an error and both moved up on a wild pitch. Jessie Morris delivered a one-out single to right field to drive in Barrett.

Michigan had a runner reach second base on four occasions but never reached third base. Symmes Valley reached third only once and managed to score.

Ali Thompson turned in an amazing performance with 18 strikeouts and no walks over 10 innings of work. She gave up two of the three hits.

Nikki Nance came on in the fourth inning and worked three scoreless frames as she struck out three and gave up only one hit before Thompson returned.

The four pitchers in the game combined for 45 strikeouts.

The weary Ohio District 11 champions managed only four hits in the championship game.

“It was a heck of a run. The kids play well all the way through,” said Nance.

Symmes Valley had four hits including a home run by Thompson. Nikki Nance, Haily Pelletier and Barrett each had a single.

Monday’s Results

Regional Semifinals

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Michigan000000000000=033

Ali Thompson, Nikki Nance (4), Thompson (6) and Chelsea Wall. Bavidstal (21-K, 1-BB, 2-H), Cain (11) and Callender. W-Thompson (18-K, 0-BB, 2-H). L-Cain (3-K, 1-BB). Nance 3-K, 0-BB, 1-H. 2B-Ohio: Abbey Barrett. Hitting-Ohio: Abbey Barrett 1-4, Jessie Morris 1-5, Haily Pelletier 1-5; Michigan: Ferrow 1-5, Chappell 1-4, Golgnasta 1-5.

Championship Game

Indiana Dist. 1118050=14121

Ohio00400=443

Bals and Miller. Nikki Nance, Erica Corn (2), Ali Thompson (5) and Chelsea Wall. W-Bals. L-Nance. 2B-Indiana: Brewer, Bouquet. HR-Indiana: A. Bouquet, Bozman 2; Ohio: Ali Thompson. Hitting-Indiana: A.Bouquet 3-4, Bouquet 2-4, Brewer 1-4,Bozman 2-4, Cassey 3-4, Miller 1-3; Ohio: Ali Thompson 1-2, Nikki Nance 1-3, Haily Pelletier 1-2, Abbey Barrett 1-2.