Softball Sectionals Heat Up

Girls softball sectionals are in underway. And in just the first couple of days of tournament play, we've already seen no-hitters, multi-run home run blasts and nail-biting victories. Here's a recap of the early round action from Wednesday: Strong performance from Center Grove junior pitcher Emily Gwaltney in the Class 4A No. 1Trojans 2-1 victory against Whiteland at the Franklin Central softball sectional last night. Gwaltney (featured on the cover story from our April 2008 issue) struck out eight and went 2-for-4 at the plate in guiding Center Grove to an opening round win. Class 4A No. 5 Avon dominated Tech 18-0 in five innings at Decatur Central behind winning pitcher Jenny Esparza's two-run triple. Decatur Central topped Pike, 5-1, behind Farrah Mitchell's nine-strikeouts. Micah Docherty knocked in three runs to help the Hawks. Avon and Decatur Central will meet for the title on Saturday. Beech Grove got a strong performance from Beth Lewis, who hit a three-run homer and struck out eight on the mound, in a 14-3 victory against Northwest in five innings. Ty Bremer pitched a no-hitter, complete with 12 strikeouts, to lead Class 2A No. 1 Scecina to a 18-0 victory against Park Tudor. Another no hitter in Class 2A came from Indian Creek, in combined effort from Lindsey Richards and reliever Shino Kato in a five inning, 13-0 victory against Triton Central. Class A No. 2 Lutheran topped Morristown 12-0 courtesy of Morgan Lewis' two home runs.