Kendall Saplis went in to run for Wagner and moved to second base. Schwab’s game-winner was an 0-2 drive to left-center field.
Wagner fired a two-hitter with 18 strikeouts and gave up two unearned runs for the fourth-seeded Hornets, who moved to 18-3. Seventh-seeded CJ finished 14-7.
“I added a lot more gray hairs today,” said Monroe coach Tim Kellis, noting that his squad gained confidence from a 17-12 loss to Miamisburg on May 1. Not because of the defeat, but because the Hornets erupted for 10 runs in one inning after trailing 9-0. “These girls just don’t ever think they’re out of a game.”
Monroe will meet Springfield Shawnee for a district championship at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at Brookville. The game was originally scheduled for 11 a.m., but was moved because of Monroe’s graduation.
Kellis said this is the first time in program history the Hornets have played in back-to-back district finals. They lost to Springfield Kenton Ridge in a district title affair last year.
CJ 000-020-0—2-2-1
Monroe 000-200-1—3-6-3
WP — Alyssa Wagner (18-1); LP — Carly Fugette (13-6). Records: C 14-7, M 18-3
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