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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.
New Philadelphia recorded its first hit after eight of the first nine batters struck out.
Freshman pitcher Abby Lint got the start in the circle, going four innings, striking out 10 batters and surrendering one hit.
Her sister, senior Kara Lint, came in relief, tossing three innings, allowing one hit and striking out seven Quakers.
“They can make any coaches life easier,” Duff said of the Lint sisters. “When you have two solid pitchers, it allows you to utilize them in different ways. One can start, and the other comes in relief. Or you’re able to save one for the next game, it just makes a world of difference.”
After last season's championship run, Duff said staying loose is what she learned from a season ago.
“It’s so important to not let the game be bigger than it is,” she said. “Just play the game no different than we do if the game is in March.”
Duff has emphasized her team to just continue what they are doing.
“We do what we need to do,” she said. “We have fun but also focusing on what is important.”
Dover will continue its path to another state championship on Friday, May 21, in Athens at 6 p.m. in the district championship game.
“We’re a solid team from the top to the bottom,” Duff said. “The girls are motivated, and they know what they want and know they can do it.”
[email protected]; X: @JacoBShondeL
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Dover softball defeats New Philadelphia in Division III district semifinals
Continue reading...
“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.”
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Dover scored four runs in the third inning after recording three walks and a two-run double by Sophie Bantum.
New Philadelphia recorded its first hit after eight of the first nine batters struck out.
Freshman pitcher Abby Lint got the start in the circle, going four innings, striking out 10 batters and surrendering one hit.
Her sister, senior Kara Lint, came in relief, tossing three innings, allowing one hit and striking out seven Quakers.
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“They can make any coaches life easier,” Duff said of the Lint sisters. “When you have two solid pitchers, it allows you to utilize them in different ways. One can start, and the other comes in relief. Or you’re able to save one for the next game, it just makes a world of difference.”
After last season's championship run, Duff said staying loose is what she learned from a season ago.
“It’s so important to not let the game be bigger than it is,” she said. “Just play the game no different than we do if the game is in March.”
Duff has emphasized her team to just continue what they are doing.
“We do what we need to do,” she said. “We have fun but also focusing on what is important.”
You must be registered for see images attach
Dover will continue its path to another state championship on Friday, May 21, in Athens at 6 p.m. in the district championship game.
“We’re a solid team from the top to the bottom,” Duff said. “The girls are motivated, and they know what they want and know they can do it.”
[email protected]; X: @JacoBShondeL
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Dover softball defeats New Philadelphia in Division III district semifinals
Continue reading...
