Lakewood advances to region finals

The Lakewood Ranch High softball team defeated Strawberry Crest 5-1 in the Class 6A-Region 3 semifinals April 30.

Senior center fielder Taylor Newton hit a solo home run in the bottom of the second inning to give the Lady Mustangs a 1-0 lead.

Lakewood extended its lead in the bottom of the fifth inning on a RBI single by Shea Fisher, which scored Jackie Schoff. Amber Wimmer hit a two-run double and Newton added a RBI single to give Lakewood a 5-0 lead.

Strawberry Crest scored a run with two outs in the top of the seventh inning before sophomore pitcher Amanda Rak and the Lakewood defense closed out the game.

With the win, Lakewood will host River Ridge in the regional finals May 3.

For a complete story on the Lady Mustangs regional tournament run, pick up the May 9 issue of the East County Observer.