North Coast Section softball playoffs: Laytonville edges Rincon Valley Christian 5-4 for Division 6 title

Top-seeded Laytonville won its second consecutive NCS Division 6 championship in dramatic fashion Saturday, vanquishing visiting No. 2 Rincon Valley Christian 5-4 by scoring two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to clinch the title.

“This is what a championship game should be,” RVC coach Shane Peterson said. “It’s never easy to lose one like this, but the girls left everything on the field.”

The Eagles (8-11) led going in the home half of the seventh, but RVC starter Meagan Segale walked a Laytonville batter with the bases loaded and two outs to tie it 2-2. Lily Peterson’s walk-off, game-winning single won the crown for the Warriors.

“The game was very intense. Both teams showed up to play,” Laytonville coach Jennifer Davis said. “As defending champions, all eyes are on you. Everyone was coming after us this season.”

Cassandra Homer earned the win for Laytonville (17-5), giving up eight hits, four walks and striking out three.

“Homer is a strong pitcher. Her control kept our batters off balance,” Peterson said.

Laytonville was led by Bronwin Gilfillan, who went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer. Caroline Hogan led RVC in hitting (2-for-2, triple, 2 RBI, 2 walks).