Canfield falls to Tallmadge in state title game
It was a beautiful day for state championship softball in Akron, but it was all eyes set on a state title for Canfield. The Cardinals came into today’s game against Tallmadge with their sights set on their first state championship since 2008, but the Blue Devils had other plans, defeating Canfield 9-0.
Things started well for Canfield, as junior pitcher Malena Toth rolled through her first two innings of work with four strikeouts. A Gianna Pannunzio single in the bottom of the 1st gave the Cardinals some hope, but it didn’t last long.
Tough innings for Canfield
Shortly after that, the onslaught began. The bottom of the fourth started with a Mia Zappola RBI single, followed by another RBI from Emma Garbinsky.
As it seemed Toth would escape without any more harm, Sydney Becks sent a line drive into left, resulting in a three-run inside the park home run.
Tallmadge (24-8) didn’t stop there, as they drove Toth out of the game before the 5th inning ended, thanks to more RBIs from Garbinsky, Zappola, and Becks.
In her final game in a Cardinals uniform, Bella Kennedy came in to relieve Toth.
Toth’s final outing of her junior year would finish in 4 ⅔ innings of work, allowing nine runs on nine hits with six strikeouts and two walks. Luckily for the Buffalo commit, her career isn’t finished yet.
Impressive season for Canfield
Regarding Canfield’s season, they would finish with a record of 23-4-2. They will also send off eight seniors, leaving Coach Mike Kernan with a young and talented group of girls for next season. However, this group has nothing to hang their heads over following their first appearance in the final four since 2008 and a co-AAC championship with DI state finalist Austintown Fitch.
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