4 days ago
Lakeview preps for first final four in school history
CORTLAND, Ohio (WKBN) – Lakeview softball has already achieved one of the most successful seasons in school history, with a potential championship in sight.
'Really, the big thing I'm focused on is to try to ignore all the extra stuff,' said Lakeview head coach David Kelm. 'We're still playing softball. It's just softball. We're going to just go play softball. So, however it bounces, however it goes.'
The Bulldogs punched their ticket to the final four in late May with a 5-1 win against Perry in the Division IV Regional Final.
'I think it's always good to have people doubt you,' said Lakeview junior catcher Mackenzie Stow. 'It creates a flame, a fire. We have nothing to lose; everyone else does. We're just creating a new name, creating history.'
Lakeview also claimed the school's first district title since 2016 in the Division IV District Championship game this season.
'We try not to think about it too much,' said senior pitcher Ava Bacon. 'It's just another game, I know it's a state semifinal, but we can't let it get to our heads too much.'
Lakeview currently has an overall season record of 22-4.
'All the hard work is paying off, but we know it's not done yet,' said junior pitcher Isabella Isenberg. 'I think going into tomorrow, we know we're not done. We're ready to keep playing.'
Lakeview plays Hillsboro in the 2025 OHSAA Softball State Semifinals at Firestone Stadium in Akron, Wednesday, June 4 at 12:30 p.m.
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