When the dust settles on a Scioto County showdown, one thing is certain: never count out a team from this region. They have a knack for delivering the unexpected, and on Saturday, the 2025 OHSAA Division VII State Champion Notre Dame Titans proved exactly why.
Facing a three-run deficit with just three outs left, the Titans staged a comeback that will be remembered for years. After seeing an 8-3 lead slip away, Notre Dame found themselves trailing 11-8 in the top of the seventh inning. But instead of folding, they swung for the fences—literally.
The Lady Titans capped the Tri-State Showcase with a five-run explosion in the final frame. Kate Entler launched a two-run homer to center field, Lyndsey Schaefer followed with an RBI double, and a wild pitch combined with a sacrifice fly from Audrey Bach sealed the 13-11 victory at Boyd County High School.
At the heart of this offensive firepower is Alayla Soard, a Ball State signee who has been nothing short of spectacular. Since the start of her sophomore year, Soard has crushed 36 home runs, including 10 this season—eight of which have come since April 15 alone. For the senior shortstop, Saturday's win was more than just a game; it was a turning point.
"This game really turned the page for us," Soard said. "Before, we were a little down, but we knew we had to come back. Our Prom was last night, so we all came back after that and played great. It really just brought a fire to our team that won't be put out right now and will continue throughout the whole season."
Lyndsey Schaefer, the senior first baseman, echoed that sentiment. Schaefer has been on a tear recently, hitting .500 or better in each of her last seven games. Along with senior outfielder Maycee Ford, Schaefer is riding a nine-game hitting streak—a testament to the depth and resilience of this lineup.
"Coming in, we knew that Boyd County was going to hit the ball well," Schaefer said. "They're a great team. We just had to come in with lots of confidence and lots of fight. I've been struggling all season at the plate, but I believe that I'm starting to get hot, and I believe that we all are. That's part of being a state championship winning team—we're all together and we're all one. That's what it's been about. It's a family."
As the Titans gear up to defend their state title, games like this one serve as a reminder of what makes this team special: the ability to rise when it matters most. For fans of the game, watching this lineup swing the sword is a masterclass in never giving up—and a preview of what could be another championship run.