Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PEDRO — The South Point Lady Pointers put things together at the right time.

The Lady Pointers played their most complete game of the season as they stunned the Rock Hill Redwomen 6-1 on Friday to win the Division III sectional tournament title.

“I told the girls before the game that we needed to play well in all facets of the game: defense, offense and pitching. And really for the first time this season, we did just that,” said Lady Pointers’ coach Tanner Heaberlin.

“It seemed like after a whole season of not catching any breaks, we finally got some. Abby Hannah pitched an excellent game and had good control. Our confidence level was where it needed to be tonight and it showed on the scoreboard.”

The Redwomen finished 21-2 on the season including 14-0 as they won the Ohio Valley Conference crown.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the kids in our program. Obviously, this was not the finish we were looking for, but it wasn’t for any other reason than the fact that South Point was just better on this night,” said Rock Hill coach Sam Gue.

“Our senior and junior classes have really led in their approach to the game, their commitment to excellence. These seniors were sophomores when I began. They had such a fun spirit about them in everything, but knew when it was time to go to work. The positive energy they brought was contagious and will certainly be hard to replace.”

Rock Hill snapped a scoreless tie in the third inning when Anna Darby reached on an error and Kaci Russell doubled.

South Point took the lead with two runs in the fourth.

Keiana Conwell and Hannah doubled to tie the game. Holly Ramey singled home Hannah for a 2-1 lead,

The Lady Pointers added three runs in the fifth inning.

Haley Rawlins and Conwell both singled and Hannah belted a three-run homer.

South Point’s final run scored in the sixth when Leah Lawson reached on an error and Laken Adkins and Powell singled.

“Emilee Powell, Keiana Conwell and Abby Hannah came through huge at the plate and our defense led by Haley Rawlins played extremely well,” said Heaberlin.

“Rock Hill has an excellent team and had a great regular season. It’s difficult to beat someone three times in a season. I am extremely proud of the effort we put forth tonight.”

South Point will play Northwest at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Chillicothe Unioto High School in the district semifinals.

 

South Point 000 231 0 = 6 14 1

Rock Hill 001 000 0 = 1 3 1

Abby Hannah and Emilee Powell. Jill Hairston and Riann Keating. W-Hannah (K-1). L-Hairston (K-4). Hitting-SP: Sara Allen 1-4, Emilee Powell 4-4, Haley Rawlins 1-4, Keiana Conwell 2-4 2b, Abby Hannah 2-4 HR 2b, Holly Ramey 1-4, Leah Lawson 1-3, Laken Adkins 2-4; RH: Kaci Russell 2-3, Makenzi Harrah 1-3.