Derrick Webb, Managing Editor
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
ATHENS — After yet another win on Tuesday night, there was something that stood out about what Collin Roush told his girls.
“I truly believe there is something special about this group.”
It was the perfect compliment following a dominant 6-0 win over Coal Grove in a Division V district semifinal, and could very well be a precursor to what the rest of the season has in store.
The Marauders (24-2) did exactly what they came to do, and had little resistance doing so.
“We’ve had goals since day one,” Roush said. “Last year, we won 18 games and we felt like the end of the season was disappointing. We didn’t finish the way we wanted. So we started, at the end of our loss last year, with a goal of making it into, and winning, the district championship game. It puts pressure on you. But I knew we had the girls and the coaches to do that.”
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
Bella Roush and Aubrey Newell spearheaded an offense that gave pitcher Natalie Goode an early cushion. But with the way that Goode was pitching, all Meigs needed was a single run.
The senior held Coal Grove (13-12) to a single hit while striking out nine in an 86-pitch effort.
She was, in a word, phenomenal.
“She’s been our workhorse since she was a freshman,” Collin Roush said of Goode. “She can throw, throw, throw. She wants the ball in big moments and we depend on her. I was proud of her tonight. She threw a great game, and I think she’s got a better performance left in her. I’m excited to see what that may be.”
The Marauders wasted no time gracing the scoreboard.
After Coal Grove was retired in order in the top of the first inning, Meigs took a 3-0 lead in the bottom half, thanks to an RBI double from Kyleigh Kranyik, an RBI single from Goode, and an RBI triple from Newell.
In the second, they’d tack on another run with an RBI double from Bella Roush, making it 4-0.
“This year, even with how many wins we’ve had, we’ve struggled to get on the board early,” Collin Roush said. “It’s something we’ve tried to preach. So we wanted to come out, get that early lead and chase some of the nerves away. I was happy with that. I thought we hit well tonight, but I also think we could hit a lot better. I think there’s more in the tank.”
The Marauders added another pair in the fourth when Newell laced a single into right-center field, scoring Braelie Hitchcock and Bella Davenport for a 6-0 score.
From there, after a brief weather delay, Meigs handed the ball to Goode and shifted into cruise control.
After an error allowed a base runner to reach in the fifth, Goode retired the next eight batters she faced, slamming the door shut on a program-building victory.
“The girls have battled all year long and they’ve played their hearts out,” Roush said. “We’ve gotten over several hurdles throughout the season and that’s where destiny comes in. I truly believe this team is meant for something special. We’re going to lay it all on the line.”
Statistically, Newell finished the night 2-for-3 with a triple and three RBIs while Bella Roush was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles, a run scored and an RBI. Goode also chipped in at the dish with a 2-for-3 effort alongside an RBI, and Kranyik helped out, going 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI.
The Hornets’ lone hit belonged to third baseman Izzy Kitts.
While Coal Grove’s season comes to an end, the Marauders look towards a Division V district championship game at 2:30 p.m., Friday at Ohio University.
They’ll meet with Chillicothe Southeastern, who beat North Adams by a 4-1 final to advance.
A win would mark the program’s first district crown since 1980, and second in its history.
Needless to say, the stakes are high.
“[A district championship] would mean everything,” Collin Roush said. “This program, from when we started this to what it’s grown into these past three years, it’s a testament to what these girls have done. So it would be icing on the cake. It would take this program to another level. It’s something the whole community could be proud of while rallying behind these girls.”
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