Monday just before 5:30pm cars began streaming into Village Park by the dozens for the first of the week-long divisional softball tournament games last week as Garrettsville played host to the Ohio Girls Softball Organization (OGSO) Divisional Tournaments. The tournament had three divisions ( A, B & C) with four brackets A3, B1, C1 & C2. Monday, A Division, bracket A3 began tournament play and Tuesday the B Division, bracket B1 and the C Division, brackets C1 & C2 began their quest for a state playoff spot. Several teams forfeited before the games even got started but those who played, came and played hard.
Fans streamed in, and staked their claim; waiting for the coveted call from the umpire, “Play Ball.” Throughout the course of the week the fans saw the pitchers pitch, batters hit, the fielders catch, and the dust fly; it was a week of softball at its best. The tournament continued all week with the final round of divisional play being held on Saturday. There were four final games played on Saturday to determine who would advance to the quarterfinals of the state tournament held in Wellington next Saturday.
Saturday morning at 10 am there were still four Garrettsville teams in contention for the state quarterfinals between the three divisions (A, B & C). Division A, bracket A3 game between the Garrettsville Eagles and Crestwood Victory kicked-off at 10 am and when the day was over Garrettsville clinched the divisional championship and advanced to the quarterfinals. They will face Amherst Wranglers in Wellington on field #1 Saturday July 21, 2012 at 10 am.
Division B, bracket B1 had two Garrettsville teams battling it out to see who would advance to the state tournament. When the dust settled — literally — Photos by Stacy defeated Sean’s Pub, clinching the state berth for the B1 bracket. Photos by Stacy will play the Columbia Crushers Saturday at 10 am in Wellington on field #2.
Two-time state winner Garrettsville JAGS took on the Mogadore Pink Panthers at 10 am to compete for the C1 bracket. The Pink Panthers took an early lead before the JAGS pounded out 11 runs in one inning taking control of the game and earning a spot at the state quarterfinals. The JAGS will face the Grafton Verizon Wireless on Saturday at 10 am on field #3 in Wellington.
In the last game of the week, Mogadore Wildcats challenged Crestwood Intensity for the Division C, bracket C2 championship. The game was a pitchers duel with the teams exchanging leads. The game was never more than a one run game, with Mogadore Wildcats taking the lead in the 6th inning and closing the door on Crestwood Intensity’s season. The Wildcats will face Bristol Blue Devils Saturday at 12:30 in Wellington on field#3.
Winners in this Saturday’s games in Wellington will advance to the State Finals, July 28th also held in Wellington.
