The Nordonia Knights’ impressive 2025 softball season came to an end May 23 at Willig Park in Canton, falling 8-3 to Green in the Division II Northeast 1 district championship game. The loss marked the end of a memorable campaign for the Knights, who battled hard but couldn’t overcome early struggles against a Green team seeking its first-ever district title.
Coach Sara Andrasik’s squad showed the heart and determination that carried them throughout the season, fighting back from a 6-0 deficit to make it a game. After Green jumped out to an early lead with a four-run first inning highlighted by Ella Marochino’s two-run single and added two more in the second on Hailey Yania’s fifth home run of the spring, Nordonia refused to fold.
The Knights mounted their strongest response in the third inning, stringing together four consecutive hits to score three runs. Hayden Paul delivered the big blow with a two-run double that energized the Nordonia dugout and cut the deficit to 6-3.
“It’s a big game, so it’s easy to let that get to you a little bit,” Andrasik said about the early nerves. “We came back strong, though. I’m very proud of the effort from the girls.”
Despite having base runners in every inning except the fifth, the Knights couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities against Green sophomore pitcher Annie Liszewski, who struck out 15 Nordonia batters in a complete-game performance.
Starting pitcher Haylie Lambes battled through early command issues that saw her walk six batters in the first two innings, which proved costly as Green took advantage of the free passes. The Knights actually outhit Green 9-7 but couldn’t overcome the nine walks issued by their pitching staff.
Green added insurance runs in the fifth and sixth innings on RBI singles by Brooklyn Wood and Ella Aller to seal the victory and claim the program’s first district championship.
For Nordonia, the season represented another step forward in the program’s continued growth under Andrasik’s leadership. The Knights demonstrated throughout the year the competitive spirit and resilience that has become their trademark, qualities that were on full display even in defeat.
While the Knights’ season ended shorter than hoped, the experience of reaching a district championship game provides valuable foundation for the future as the program continues building toward its own championship aspirations.
