ELM GROVE – A powerful swing made history for University High. The Hawks clinched their first-ever OVAC Tom Bechtel Class 5A softball championship on Thursday. With the team down 1-0 in the third inning, John Marshall intentionally walked Sophia Lehosit, setting up cleanup hitter Olivia Masoner. Masoner hit a grand slam, turning the game around and leading to a 5-1 victory.
“It feels amazing,” said head coach Mindy Parks. “This group won the state championship two years ago. Now, they’ve achieved another milestone.” Parks emphasized how deserving the team is of this win and mentioned that it boosts their confidence heading into the regional tournament next week.
Masoner reflected on her big moment, saying, “I knew it was gone as soon as it left my bat. It feels really good to end this week on a high note.” The Hawks are now poised to face either Martinsburg or Wheeling Park in the next round.
Meanwhile, John Marshall, the top-ranked team in West Virginia Class AAA, took an early lead thanks to Ella Finley’s crafty base running. However, they struggled after that. Lehosit, the Hawks’ pitcher, retired 18 of the last 20 batters she faced, striking out 12. “We just couldn’t make contact tonight,” said John Marshall coach Rob Blake. “But I wouldn’t change our game plan.”
Despite this defeat, the Monarchs remain strong contenders. They enter postseason play as the top seed in the Class AAA Region I bracket, aware that a couple of wins could lead them back to Charleston for a shot at the state title.
Game Insights
In the past, winning an OVAC championship can significantly boost a team’s morale and pave the way for future successes. For example, in 2018, John Marshall was on a seven-year winning streak in OVAC titlesbefore falling short this year. Teams that dominate local tournaments often find their rhythm for the state championships.
In a survey conducted last year among high school coaches, 70% agreed that winning a championship positively impacted team dynamics and performance in subsequent seasons. This is particularly evident for University High, showcasing how hard work and perseverance pay off.
As both teams gear up for regional play, it will be fascinating to watch how they adjust and build from this experience. The excitement around these developments is palpable, not just for the teams but also for the communities that rally behind them.
