AKRON – Miami East had a memorable tournament run that ended in the state semifinal with a 6-1 loss to Massillon Tuslaw at Firestone Stadium in Akron on Friday.
And it was one inning that was the downfall for the Lady Vikings, a five-run third inning for Massillon Tuslaw.
Miami East has had some miscues on its way to reaching the final four, but were always able to find a way to win. Friday was different, however.
After surrendering the five runs in the third, Miami East was able to get on the board in the top of the fourth with a run of its own.
Kalli Teeters opened the inning by drawing a walk and Jacqueline Kadel doubled to center to put runners on second and third. Kyleigh Kirby then drilled a hard shot to left that was caught, but Teeters was able to score from third and Kadel moved to third from second. Unfortunately the Lady Vikings couldn’t get another big hit to do more damage in the inning as Massillon Tuslaw held on for a 5-1 lead.
The Lady Vikings had another opportunity to score in the fifth as Kayly Fetters led off with a double to right. Abigail Kadel then singled up the middle, but Rachael Haak, who pinch ran for Fetters, was thrown out at home as Kadel advance to second. The next two batters connected, but the balls didn’t find openings in the Tuslaw defense.
Massillon Tuslaw extended its lead to 6-1 with a run in the bottom of the fifth, but Miami East continued to fight.
Kyleigh Kirby doubled in the sixth to give the Lady Vikings another opportunity, but again, the Lady Vikings just couldn’t find a gap in the Tuslaw defense to put a runner across the plate.
After shutting down Massillon Tuslaw in the sixth, Miami East went back to work in an attempt at a miraculous comeback in its final at bat. Jadyn Blair led off with a double in the gap and Abigail Kadel connected on a one-out single to put runners at first and second. Unfortunately, the next two batters for Miami East flied out and grounded out to end the contest.
In all, Miami East tallied six hits with Abigail Kadel going 2-for-3 to lead the way. Kayliegh Kirby drove in the lone run for the Lady Vikings, while Jaqueline Kadel, Jadyn Blair and Kayly Fetters all recorded hits.
Miami East ends its memorable 2022 season with a 22-5 record, co-winners of the TRC, District Champions, Regional Champions, and State Final Four participants.
