North Newton softball's repeat quest falls short with semi-state loss

North Newton’s quest to repeat as Class A softball state champions hit a snag on Saturday.

It came by way of eighth-ranked South Central, which topped the Spartans 12-2 in a weather delayed semi-state semifinal at Oak Hill on Monday.

By the time Maria Jones delivered an RBI single in the second inning, South Central already had a four-run cushion.

The Spartans (17-9) extended the game, trailing by 10 runs, on Caylee Oxley’s home run.

Class 2A No. 10 Southmont’s season ended at the Forest Park semi-state.

Third-ranked Tecumseh (28-4) made quick work of a semi-state championship blanking the Mounties 12-0 and going on to defeat Eastern Hancock 14-0. Southmont (19-6) recorded two hits in the six-inning semifinal, a double by freshman Emily Simpson and a single from sophomore Kaylee Turner.

Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: North Newton, Southmont softball fall at semi-state