The defending state champions are headed back to the final four.
Behind a game-breaking grand slam from Emma Wilhelm and a relentless offensive attack, Riverside softball defeated Green 10-3 in regional final action to punch its ticket back to the OHSAA softball state semifinals for the second straight season.
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Wilhelm’s fourth-inning blast capped a five-run inning and turned a competitive game into a Riverside runaway.
“I was looking for a base hit,” Wilhelm said. “The bases were loaded; there were three walks before me. I wasn’t looking to do much besides a base hit to help my team. I never thought about a homerun in that situation, and I couldn’t have been more happy.”
Riverside finished with 11 hits and erased an early 1-0 deficit after Green scored in the opening inning.
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The Beavers answered with four runs in the third inning, highlighted by RBI hits from Becca Tornow and Maddi Proud, before exploding for five more runs in the fourth.
Wilhelm’s grand slam provided the knockout blow, giving Riverside a commanding 9-1 advantage.
“Throughout warmups, my swing felt amazing,” Wilhelm said. “I was locked in the moment the game started. I knew our team was going to hit, and we just had to show that we came ready to play. That helped me zone in knowing I had my teammates behind me.”
Riverside never let Green regain momentum.
Maddy Kevern added a solo homer in the third inning and finished with two hits, while Tornow sparked the offense with two hits, two runs scored, and an RBI.
“That inning was so important because we knew Green was a great team and they weren’t going to let up,” Kevern said. “We had to keep stringing together hits to keep the momentum going. When we keep applying pressure to the other team, it opens up so many opportunities for everyone in the lineup.”
Clara Granchi earned the complete-game victory in the circle, striking out seven while working around 11 Green hits.
Green threatened late with two runs in the seventh inning, but Granchi closed the door to secure the regional championship.
Riverside’s offense featured contributions throughout the lineup. Wilhelm drove in five runs, Proud added two RBIs, while Tornow and Granchi each drove in a run.
Batting second, Tornow helped Riverside establish pressure early.
“Being at the top of the lineup, it is important to get on base and move the runners,” Tornow said. “As a team, we try to score early and get rallies going as soon as possible.”
The victory sends Riverside back to the state final four after capturing the Division II state championship last season.
Both Kevern and Tornow said the team’s chemistry has been a major factor behind another postseason run.
“Both teams are incredibly talented, but what sticks out most about this team is how connected we are,” Kevern said. “We trust each other so much, and no matter what, everyone is invested in each other’s success.”
Tornow echoed that sentiment.
“Most of the girls have played together for years,” Tornow said. “We have great chemistry, and everyone is excited for everyone else’s wins. This is the most bonded I’ve ever felt with a team; they really are my best friends.”
Now, Riverside will attempt to defend its state title on the sport’s biggest stage once again.
“We play for each other,” Wilhelm said. “Every game I play for my teammates and to give my seniors more games. We all think for each other and dedicate each game to each other, and that brings us together. This team couldn’t be more excited to be going back to states.”
Top Players
- Emma Wilhelm (Riverside): 2-for-3, grand slam, double, 5 RBI
- Becca Tornow (Riverside): 2-for-2, 2 runs, double, RBI
Maddy Kevern (Riverside): 2-for-4, home run, RBI - Clara Granchi (Riverside): Complete-game win, 7 strikeouts, RBI
- Hailey Yania (Green): 3-for-4, two doubles, 2 runs scored
- Ella Aller (Green): 2-for-3, double, RBI
