AKRON (WLIO) — The remarkable season for the Lincolnview High School softball team came to a close Wednesday at Firestone Stadium, as the Northwest Conference champions fell 8-0 to West Jefferson High School in the Division 6 state semifinals.

Making the program's second state tournament appearance in the last five seasons, the Lancers ran into a potent West Jefferson lineup led by Missouri commit Jenna Mannon. The junior slugger broke the game open in the first inning, launching a three-run home run — her 20th of the season — to help the Roughriders build an early advantage. West Jefferson plated four runs in the opening frame.

Lincolnview sophomore ace Ila Hughes settled in after the rocky start, finishing with eight strikeouts in the circle.

The Lancers struggled to generate offense against West Jefferson pitching. Senior Lainey Spear collected a single in the sixth inning for Lincolnview's second hit of the game, but the rally was short-lived.

Lincolnview's final chance came in the seventh inning, but the Roughriders closed out the 8-0 victory.

The loss ends another memorable campaign for the Lancers, who finish the season as Northwest Conference champions and Division 6 state semifinalists.

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