Dover softball shuts out rival New Philadelphia to open title defense
Sophie Bantum’s big hit and dominant pitching from Abby and Kara Lint helped Dover continue its postseason run, advancing to the district championship game in Athens.
DOVER — Postseason play has officially begun for the defending Division III state champion Dover softball team. “This is my favorite time of the year,” Dover head coach Hannah Duff said. “Every team is in it to win it.
” The Crimson Tornadoes opened tournament play, defeating New Philadelphia 8-0 on Wednesday, May 13. On the season, Dover defeated the Quakers three times, outscoring them 29-2. Scores and updates | OHSAA softball scores, schedule for the 2026 East District tournament The quest for No.
11 | Strasburg softball opens tournament run with 15-0 win over Malvern “We finished our season strong, and right now we’re trying to keep everyone levelheaded,” Duff said. “With it being a rivalry and tournament game, it started a little bit like I thought then we were able to break through. ” The Crimson Tornadoes were retired in order in both the first and second innings; however, every ball was put into play.
Duff’s message to the team during the first couple of innings: “Keep working” “The girls were making contact; they were just getting a little unlucky where the ball was being hit,” she said. “We just needed to make adjustments; it’s a different story if we’re striking out. ” Dover scored four runs in the third inning after recording three walks and a two-run double by Sophie Bantum.