AKRON — The Lakota East High softball team will play for a Division I state championship.
The Thunderhawks defeated Westerville Central 4-3 in the state semifinals on Saturday at Akron’s Firestone Stadium.
Lakota East is 30-1 and takes on Louisville (26-4) on Saturday at 4 p.m. for the title.
Westerville Central finished the season at 28-3.
The Thunderhawks used a three-run first inning to grab an early 3-1 lead. But Westerville Central scored two in the third inning to tie it up at 3-all.
A Lakota East run in the fourth inning proved to be the difference maker, as the Thunderhawks held on down the stretch.
Cassidy Hudson went 3-for-4 to lead the Thunderhawks at the plate. Abby Beckham, Abby Niehaus and Hailey Holtman each collected hits for Lakota East, which played errorless defense in the field.
Sydney Larson fanned 8 batters, earning the victory in the pitcher’s circle.
WC 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 — 3 6 1
LE 3 0 0 1 0 0 X — 4 6 0
Winning Pitcher (LE) — Larson; Losing Pitcher (WC) — Ruck; HRs (WC) — Schumacher 1