The Lady Indians defeated Lincoln High School 6-2 Wednesday evening, claiming the Class AA, Region II, Section I title and advancing in post-season play.

 

“They played hard,” said Coach Larry “Rabbit” Snider. “The girls have been swinging the bats pretty good. They did what they had to do.”

 

Senior Taylor Smith set the pace early in the contest.

 

“Taylor led off with a double and kind of set the tone. The girls picked up on that, scoring three runs in early,” Snider said.

 

Sophomore Kate Stanley also smacked a first-inning double, driving in Smith, as well as Emily Riggs and Hannah Clark, both who took bases on walks.

 

“We’ve had different girls stepping up,” Snider said. “They’ve all been hitting the ball pretty well and that’s what it takes.”

 

In the sixth inning, Smith doubled again, starting another rally of hits and subsequent runs, enough for the Indians to pull ahead and claim the victory. Smith led the Indians with three hits. Stanley finished with two and Busdeker, Riggs, Clark and Abby Strait, each contributed one.

 

Again, Strait went the distance on the mound, striking out eight batters and allowing no walks.

 

“Abby has done a fantastic job for us – what a work horse,” Snider said. “She really stepped up to the challenge when we lost Star Pope after she broke an angle. The girls stepped up and we saw what they were made of. They responded really well. Abby came in as pitcher so we needed someone at first and Lauren Riffle stepped up and did a nice job there. Abby has taken responsibility and taken the load and is doing all the pitching and doing an admirable job.”

 

The Indians move on to regional action, playing Herbert Hoover 6 p.m. Monday at the Bridgeport softball field.

 

The coach said he doesn’t know a lot about Herbert Hoover, but what he does know indicates it will be a tough game.

 

“They have a 22-5 record and I understand that they have an outstanding pitcher and I know they have some pretty good hitters,” he said. “It should be a pretty good match up.”

 

The Lady Indians stand at 22-3 and continue their motto: One game at a time.

 

“We have five more to go (to be state champs),” Snider said.

 

Editor's Note:  Pictured above are Strait and Smith. Photos by Joe Signorelli/Ben Queen Photography. See more images from Wednesday's game with Lincoln HERE.