Because of the rain Friday, the local softball regional finals were moved from Friday evening to Saturday at noon. After the dust settled in the middle afternoon, three area teams had earned the right to play in this year’s OHSAA state tournament in Akron – Lancaster (DI), Mount Vernon (DII), and Liberty Union (DV).

In the Division I regional final at Big Walnut High School, Lancaster (25-2) beat Gahanna (19-12) for the second time this season. After topping the Lions, 7-0, on May 7, the Gales had a tougher time Saturday, prevailing 5-2. Both of Lancaster’s losses this season came to Teays Valley, who made it to the DII regional semi-finals. 

Division II’s Mount Vernon (26-2) continued their dominant play with an 11-0, five-inning win over Dublin Scioto (18-9) at Pickerington Central. The Yellow Jackets took first place in the Licking County League this season, with their two losses coming in league play. They fell to Licking Heights and Watkins Memorial in the competitive circuit.

In Division V, Liberty Union (28-1) beat Springfield Shawnee (25-4), 4-1, at Centerville High School. The Lions, who are the defending state champions, won the MSL-Buckeye Division this season, with their only loss coming to Bloom-Carroll. Saturday’s win was their 22nd in a row. The Braves were the Central Buckeye Conference – Mad River Division champions.

The state tournament games will be played at Firestone Stadium, 1575 Firestone Parkway, Akron, Ohio 44301. Here are the brackets in Division I, II, and V:

Division I –
Lancaster (25-2) vs. Lebanon (21-3) – Saturday, June 7 – 5:30pm
Centerville (17-13) vs. Massillon Jackson (21-7-1) – Saturday, June 7 – 3:00pm
Winners to play Sunday, June 8 – 4:00pm

Division II –
Mount Vernon (26-2) vs. Anthony Wayne (25-4) – Saturday, June 7 – 12:30pm
Painsville Riverside (25-4) vs. Massillon Perry (15-17-1) – Saturday, June 7 – 10:00am
Winners to play Sunday, June 8 – 1:30pm

Division V –
Akron Manchaster (25-5) vs. Liberty Union (28-1) – Thursday, June 5 – 10:00am
Wheelersburg/Wellston winner vs. Oak Harbor (24-6) – Thursday, June 5 – 12:30pm
Winners to play Friday, June 6 – 8:00pm