Westerville Central Softball Advances to OHSAA Division II Championship

The Westerville Central softball team is set to compete for the Division II state title on June 7, marking a significant milestone in the program's history. Following a commanding 7-0 victory over Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit on June 6 at Firestone Stadium in Akron, the Warhawks are primed for their first championship showdown.

Central, boasting an impressive record of 28-2, aims to cap off their season with a remarkable 22-game winning streak. They will face Kings Mills Kings, who secured a spot in the final by defeating defending champion Painesville Riverside 7-1 in the earlier semifinal. The championship game is scheduled for 4 p.m. on June 7.

In their semifinal matchup, the Warhawks managed only four hits but took full advantage of four errors committed by Walsh Jesuit, leaving no runners stranded. Senior third baseman Hannah Pullins led the offense with two hits, while sophomore outfielder Christelle Crosier ignited the scoring with her tenth home run of the season in the first inning.

The pivotal second inning saw Central score five runs, starting with an RBI single from sophomore designated player Lydia Miller after walks from Jane LeMasters and Haley Hickok. Pullins then contributed significantly with a two-run single, and further errors allowed additional runs to cross the plate, extending their lead to 6-0. Pullins capped the scoring in the fifth inning, coming home after a series of steals and a throwing error.

On the mound, sophomore pitcher Elliott Long was dominant, striking out nine batters without allowing a walk and giving up just four hits. The Warhawks have not experienced a loss since April 9, when they faced Gahanna Lincoln, a rival that went on to become the Division I regional runner-up. With this victory, Central also ended Walsh Jesuit’s impressive 23-game winning streak that began on March 21.