Senior Gleim leads Bloom-Carroll past Lakewood, into district softball final
CARROLL — Sophia Gleim’s Bloom-Carroll softball teammates suggested one final trip around the bases, but the Bulldogs at least got a group hug.
Gleim, one of the Bulldogs’ two seniors along with Bonnie Greenwood, had to begrudgingly take the spotlight Monday. Gleim delivered run-scoring hits in each of Bloom-Carroll’s big innings during a 10-0 victory against visiting Lakewood in a Division II district semifinal.
“We’ve been playing really loose and not scared,” Gleim said. “I wasn’t really nervous. We were just playing and having fun. I thought I would be really sad, but I am just happy we won.”
No. 5 Bloom-Carroll (17-11) plays No. 2 Jonathan Alder (20-4) for a district title either Friday or Saturday at Pickerington Central. The Pioneers beat No. 12 Heath in their semifinal.
Sophomore Maddi Walters again was dominant in the circle for the Bulldogs, striking out 10 and holding the No. 7 Lancers (13-11) to one hit in four innings. Her teammates gave her plenty of support, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning and piling up their final six in the third.
“It’s sad (losing Gleim), but we played really well," said Walters, who previously struck out 12 in a 1-0 victory against North Union last Wednesday. "It was a good way to end her career on this field,”
“I like the thrill. I like the excitement,” Walters added. “I know my defense can back me up. It’s been really fun.”
Madelyn Gates’ hustle double on a flare down the left-field line led off the game for Bloom-Carroll. Gleim’s line drive through the left side for an RBI and freshman Jaiden Sharrow’s squeeze bunt highlighted the first inning.
Carly Williams’ single put two Lancers on with two outs in the second inning, but Walters struck out the next batter. The Lancers could not duplicate the heroics of senior Dani Stewart’s three-run home run from their 5-4 victory at River Valley last Wednesday.
“It’s an absolutely great group of seniors,” said Lakewood coach Jon Griffith, noting Stewart and classmates Rachel Crist and Becca Streets, all three-year starters. “If we don’t have those three, we don’t even reach the district semifinals. I just told Dani Stewart if she doesn’t give her gutsy performance last week, we are not even in this game today.”
The slap-hitting Gleim turned on an inside pitch and lined it down the right-field line for a two-run double to set off the third-inning onslaught. Junior Allie Martin added an RBI single.
Junior Adyson Luke added two hits and two runs and classmate Rachel Grove a hit, a run and two RBIs.
“I just had to adjust in the box to wherever (Stewart) pitched it,” Gleim said. “I have been working at home, too.”
Lakewood freshman Jaycie Montie added a fifth-inning single off freshman Emma Brandt, who threw the final inning for Bloom-Carroll.
The Lancers’ spring had a tragic beginning when sophomore Megan Hart died in a car crash in early March. They played with their late teammate in mind and received several gestures of support from opponents throughout the season.
“With everything that has happened through our season, the leaders have been there all along,” Griffith said. “When I get a chance to look back at this, these girls achieved so much.”
Bloom-Carroll won just eight games last season while rebuilding, but the Bulldogs now are right back to where the program is accustomed.
The Bulldogs have an opportunity to win the program’s first district championship since 2015 after falling in the finals most recently in 2021 and ‘22.
“From last year, we have grown a lot,” Gleim said. “We are taking a step up, continuing the legacy now instead of letting it down.”
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Sophia Gleim leads Bloom-Carroll past Lakewood in OHSAA softball
