The OVAC Tom Bechtel Class 5A softball championship game between the John Marshall Monarchs and the Morgantown Mohigans was a nail-biter until the very end. The No. 4-seeded Mohigans managed to hold off the No. 2-seeded Monarchs in a thrilling 4-3 victory, securing their second conference title.
Morgantown head coach Lori Lipscomb praised her team’s resilience and determination in the face of a tough opponent. Liz Alsop and Madison Wisman were standout performers for the Mohigans, each hitting solo home runs and contributing to the team’s success. Wisman also pitched a complete game, showcasing her versatility on the field.
Despite trailing 4-1 in the sixth inning, the John Marshall Monarchs fought back with runs in the sixth and seventh innings. With two runners on base and two outs in the seventh, they had a chance to tie the game, but fell just short of completing the comeback.
John Marshall head coach Rob Blake acknowledged his team’s missed opportunities at the plate, but remained optimistic about their future prospects. AC Cumberledge and Kaylee White were key contributors for the Monarchs, with Cumberledge pitching a solid game and White delivering crucial hits.
The game was marked by impressive defensive plays and clutch hitting, with both teams leaving it all on the field. Morgantown’s power hitting and solid pitching ultimately proved to be the difference maker, as they clinched the OVAC title in a hard-fought battle. The Mohigans now look ahead to the postseason with confidence, while the Monarchs regroup and prepare for their upcoming sectional matchup against Brooke.