The pressure moments never seemed to rattle the third-ranked Riverside softball team.
Even after South softball erased an early deficit and grabbed the lead midway through Monday’s Western Reserve Conference showdown, the Beavers answered every challenge on the way to a 6-5 win and a second straight conference championship.
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Maddi Proud blasted two home runs — including the go-ahead shot in the sixth inning — while Clara Granchi struck out 13 as Riverside improved to 19-3 overall and a perfect 8-0 in conference play.
“It was definitely huge to be able to win the conference today and lock it up, but give South credit, they battled the entire game,” said Riverside head coach Bill Ross. “They played great today.”
Riverside wasted little time getting on the board.
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Granchi opened the bottom of the first with a single and, after one out, Proud launched a two-run homer to give the Beavers a 2-0 lead. Emma Wilhelm followed with a triple, and Riverside threatened for more after walks to Maddy Kevern and Olivia Powell loaded the bases, but South escaped with minimal damage.
South answered in the third.
Jenna Heil singled to begin the inning before Paige Janson drew a walk. Makayla Schneider followed with a single to load the bases with no outs. Heil scored on a groundout by Halle Zupancic, and Mariya Reed added an RBI single. After a strikeout, Savannah Patton reached on an error that allowed another run to score as the Rebels grabbed a 3-2 lead.
South continued to pressure Riverside in the fourth.
Molly Heil reached on an error and later scored after Janson reached on a bunt that forced another Riverside miscue. Makayla Schneider added another hit, and Janson eventually scored on a passed ball to extend the Wildcats’ advantage to 5-2.
“I’ve said it before, these girls can play with anybody, and we had the lead late,” said South head coach Rusty Bliss. “Riverside battled back and won this game. I thought our girls played exceptionally well against the reigning champs. I’m proud of how they played.”
Riverside began clawing back in the bottom half of the fourth.
Sammi Granchi singled with one out, Maggie Corlette followed with another single, and Clara Granchi walked to load the bases. Becca Tornow then ripped a two-run double to left field, trimming the deficit to 5-4.
Proud eventually delivered the knockout blow in the sixth.
Tornow doubled with one out before Proud crushed her second two-run homer of the game to put Riverside back in front for good at 6-5.
“She came up in big spots today and got us on the board in the first inning, which has been big for us to try to start doing,” Ross said. “For her to get the hit, especially at the end when they gave us the lead, she set the tone.”
South threatened one final time in the seventh.
Brynley Schneider singled with two outs, and Molly Heil reached on a dropped third strike to put the tying run aboard. But Riverside closed the door with a game-ending groundout to secure the title-clinching win.
While Riverside’s defense committed three errors, Granchi repeatedly worked out of trouble inside the circle, finishing with 13 strikeouts while allowing just two earned runs.
“We definitely could’ve helped her out a little better on the defensive end to get out of some of those innings, but she did great today,” Ross said. “With 13 strikeouts, she was definitely dealing.”
South showed throughout the night it could match one of Ohio’s elite programs punch for punch.
“We had opportunities for sure and forced a couple of errors by Riverside, which put us in a good spot,” Bliss said. “That’s the nature of how we play. We’ll stay aggressive and try to get the other team to make mistakes. It worked a couple of times today, even against the Beavers. They’re a very well-coached team and a program that others should emulate for sure. They’re going to go far again this year in Division II, but they know the level of fight in our girls after tonight.”
Bliss said the performance could serve as a springboard heading toward tournament play.
“Not one head held low after tonight’s game,” Bliss said. “A tough loss for sure, but every one of these girls knows how they battled and what it takes to win these games. They’ve done it several times this year, and it will continue to help set the tone headed into the state tournament.”
Top Players
- Maddi Proud (Riverside): 2-for-4, 2 runs, 4 RBI, 2 home runs
- Clara Granchi (Riverside): 2-for-3, 1 run, walk; 7 IP, 13 strikeouts
- Becca Tornow (Riverside): 2-for-4, 2 doubles, 2 RBI
- Emma Wilhelm (Riverside): 2-for-4, double, triple
- Makayla Schneider (South): 3-for-4, double, run scored
- Jenna Heil (South): 1-for-4, 2 runs, walk
- Paige Janson (South): 1-for-2, 2 runs, 2 walks
- Savannah Patton (South): 2-for-4
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