The Southwestern Conference race is nearing the finish line.
In Amherst’s rivalry showdown with North Ridgeville, the Rangers delivered a crushing, 11-0 shutout in five innings.
North Ridgeville improved to 9-8 (6-7 in SWC), and it pushed Amherst (12-8, 8-4 in SWC) out of first place in the league standings.
Amherst’s dropping to second place clinched Berea-Midpark’s SWC title share.
The Titans will travel to Olmsted Falls on May 13 to play for the outright SWC championship.
Olivia Bottomlee, who is the freshman sister of 2025 Lorain County Ms. Softball Naomi Bottomlee, proved to be difficult for Amherst.
She batted 4-for-4 with three runs and drove in two runs.
North Ridgeville pitcher Brynnley Cole batted ahead of Bottomlee and was also a major contributor at the plate. She recorded three hits, scored three runs and drove in one run.
With a 2-0 lead in the first inning, North Ridgeville pulled away with a six-run third inning.
Inside the circle, Cole struck out six Comets while giving up five hits.
Amherst made four errors, leading to four of the Rangers’ runs being unearned.
Comets pitcher Karina Shuster gave up 12 hits, but recorded 10 of the team’s 15 outs via strikeout.