ARCHBOLD – If the Tinora Lady Rams, the #6 seed, wanted to advance to the OHSAA Regional for the third time in five seasons, they would have to get by Madelyn Hopper and the #2 seed Montpelier Lady Locos.

The Lady Locos, coming in with a 17-5 record, and a 13 game winning streak, last lost six weeks ago, back on April 12. The senior Hopper entered with a 16-3 record, averaging two strikeouts per inning.

In their first two postseason wins over Hicksville and Crestview, the Lady Rams came out swinging, scoring in the first inning.

Friday, Montpelier came out swinging, hitting two homeruns to take a 4-0 lead in the first inning. A three run homer off the bat of senior Kelsie Bumb gave the Locos a 3-0 lead. Sophomore Henna Beck hit her first homerun of the season, a solo shot, for a 4-0 Montpelier advantage after one inning of play.

Tinora would score their lone run in the top of the third inning. Madison Spangler started the frame with a single, she was sacrificed to second by Tryinity Koerber, and would score on a RBI single by Paige Gamby, Montpelier led 4-1 into the third inning.

The Lady Rams saw an opportunity in the top of the fifth, loading the bases with a two out rally. After the first two hitters were send down by Hopper via strikeout, however, the next three Tinora hitters reached base. Madison Spangler walked, Trynity Koerber singled, then Paige Gamby was intentionally walked to load the bases for Zoe Billings. Billings hit a liner to short that was snagged by the Locos Kelsie Bumb to end the Tinora threat.

Montpelier added two more runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a commanding 6-1 lead. Maggie Jacob doubled to start the Locos inning. Lyla Mahan would reach on a single, scoring Jacob for a 5-1 lead. Kelsie Bumb would double in Rowan Brown, who was running for Hopper who singled, for a 6-1 Montpelier lead through the fifth inning.

Montpelier would put the game out of reach with two more runs in the bottom of the sixth. After loading the based with two outs, back to back walks would plate Katie Terry and Maggie Jacob for a 8-1 lead through six.

Hopper would retire the Lady Rams in the top of the seventh, ending Tinora’s season.

Best of luck to the Tinora senior class of Zoe Roesti, Trynity Koerber, and Brook Squires. Thank you ladies for everything you have done to elevate the Tinora softball program.

With the win, Montpelier advanced to the Regionals and will face Ada on May 28, 2 pm start at site to be determined. The Locos improve to 18-5 with the District Championship. The is the Locos and coach Any Robinson’s second straight District title.

Tinora sees their season end at 11-14. Another great ride for coach Fairchild and the Lady Rams.

With the three seniors graduating, the Lady Rams have a very talented core returning for the 2026 season.

Thanks to everyone who tuned in this season and a special thanks to Deagon Begin who handled the home play by play this spring, a fantastic first year behind the mic.

Watch back, Part 1 of 2 below

Part II of II, watch below.