For the first time in 24 years, the Eastside softball team is state champions.
The Blazers used successfull squeeze plays in the third and fourth innings and brilliant pitching to hold on for a 2-1 victory over North Posey in the IHSAA 2A State Championship on Saturday at Bittinger Stadium at Purdue University.
Lilli Cline led off the third inning with a standup triple. She was pushed home in a bunt by Jayci Hunt/
In the fourth, Grace Kreischer laid down a bunt that scored Mataya Birely to give Eastside a 2-0 lead.
North Posey scored its lone run using small ball, as well. The Vikings managed a run in the top half of the 7th inning to make the game 2-1.
Eastside pitcher Natalie Lower maintained her composure, and was able to pitch around a game-tying North Posey baserunner at second base to secure the state championship.
Lower gave up one run in six hits over her complete game victory. She added 5 strikeouts.
Eastside second base Skyelar Kessler was named the 2A Mental Attitude Award winner. The award is presented to a senior who demonstrates good mental attitude, athletic ability, scholarship and leadership. Kessler will attend Indiana University and study biology. She wants to become a medical labratory scientist.
Eastside is one of 31 high schools that partner with Parkview Sports Medicine for athletic training, nutrition, athletic rehab and other sports medicine services for Blazer student-athletes. Learn more at www.parkviewsportsmedicine.com.