Canfield completes ‘Revenge Tour’ with state softball title win over Bryan
A strong softball season last year for Canfield ended with a disappointing 9-0 state title game loss to Tallmadge.
The team pledged not to let that happen in 2024.
Their mission succeeded as Malena Toth pitched a two-hit shutout to lead Canfield to a 4-0 state title win over Bryan Saturday night at Firestone Stadium in Akron.
“This is just amazing,” Toth said. “We definitely matured a lot more than we would have last year. We were more prepared this year. We worked during the offseason every day. It’s just amazing to be back here.”
This is the second state softball title for the Cardinals.
Their first came in 2008.
“I couldn’t be more prouder of this group,” Canfield head coach Michael Kernan said. “I had a great group of girls who worked their tails off and put us in position. I don’t think I have been around a more determined group to pull off a state championship.”
Kernan said the team learned from last season’s loss.
“That was a building block to this team here,” Kernan said. “These kids made it happen and they took it to a different level.”
Caylee Ortiz opened the scoring in the first inning with a three-run double and Marina Koenig followed with a run-scoring single in the third inning.
And Toth took over after that.
She completed her day with her second straight shutout with two walks and ten strikeouts.
Toth said her team’s offensive effort helped.
“I can do my thing in the circle whenever my batters are batting and producing runs,” Toth said.
“She’s a great pitcher and we haven’t seen a little quicker speed, so that could have been part of it,” Bryan pitcher Thea Staten said of Toth. “We could have made adjustments sooner so I’ll give a lot to her. (Toth) is a great pitcher.”
Other Canfield offensive leaders were Sydney Lutz and Leah Figueroa.