EVANSVILLE – Memorial has had many moments of individual brilliance this season. Bri Canaan’s pitching being one, Madison Thomas’ hitting being another.
But in the IHSAA softball sectional championship, the Tigers’ team spirit was on full display from inning one through six. Contributions were seen throughout in the 11-1 win over North Posey on May 29.
After learning of their opponent for the championship, Memorial coach Rick Lutz had his team work on their hitting in practice to prepare for the game. It is an area he said has been “spotty” this season.
Well, the opposite was true at Cooper Stadium. The Tigers scored seven runs combined in the first two innings and North Posey made multiple pitching changes as a result. The Vikings’ lone run came on a bases-loaded walk.
This was not the biggest Canaan game statistically, but that was not necessary. Still, the junior was effective – six strikeouts while allowing just three hits.
Coming together at the right time
The vision Memorial coach Rick Lutz has had for his group has always been team-oriented – and that played out in the championship game. No better time than the postseason to come together.
“This is how we expected our offense to be all year,” Lutz said.
As she did on May 26 in the semifinal, Thomas made a loud impact with her hitting against North Posey. A three-run home run into right field pushed the lead to six in the second inning. More importantly, it brought a second-consecutive sectional title that much closer.
The Tigers’ leading hitter has meant a great deal to the program.
“That ball was way over the fence,” Lutz said. “Any time she’s at the plate, she can put the ball down for a slap, a base hit, drive in a run or hit it over the fence. She means everything to us.”
Memorial now looks forward to regionals on June 2 where they will host Gibson Southern. The Titans won their sectional championship against Jasper 6-1 on May 29.
Memorial’s meeting with Gibson Southern came early this season, its sixth game on April 7.
It was a shutout win for the Tigers, 8-0, with Canaan, Thomas and catcher Cypress Aliotta leading the charge. Canaan had 11 strikeouts in the game, and with the talent the Titans’ possess offensively, a similar performance may be needed.
Lutz said the plan is to continue working in all areas as they have been as they prepare for the Titans.
“They’ve been a good team for 20-plus years,” Lutz said. “It’ll be a challenge for us.”
Memorial will be heading into regionals on a six-game winning streak. But so will Gibson Southern. The opportunity to clinch a semi-state appearance in Jasper on June 6 awaits.
Listed below are the results, details from the other sectional championship games played on Friday night.
IHSAA sectional championship results from May 29
Sectional 31: Gibson Southern 6, Jasper 1
Gibson Southern did all its scoring in the first inning against Jasper at Southridge. Paxton Cummings’ lone hit was a grand slam. Laney Scherer went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and one run, Miley Sperling had seven strikeouts. The Titans went through the sectional allowing just two runs in three games this week.
Gibson Southern will play Memorial in the regional championship on June 2.
Sectional 48: Tecumseh 11, Forest Park 0 (five innings)
After a tough 2-1 semifinal win over Mater Dei, sophomore pitcher Audrey Seiler delivered more of the same in the sectional championship. Seiler had 13 strikeouts and allowed just one hit in the shutout win over Forest Park. Avery Long, a junior, went 3-for-5 with two runs in the game.
Tecumseh will play Sullivan in the regional championship on June 2.
Markos Tsegaye is a sports reporter for the Courier & Press. He can be reached at mtsegaye@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @10_Markos_
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Memorial win IHSAA softball sectional 32 at Cooper Stadium