Dover softball shuts out rival New Philadelphia to open title defense

Dover's Abby Lint rifles a pitch to a New Philadelphia batter in a district semifinals game on May 13, 2026. Dover defeated the Quakers 8-0.

Dover's Ariana Immel celebrates as Abby Lint records an inning ending strikeout in a district semifinals game on May 13, 2026. Dover defeated New Philadelphia 8-0.

Dover players gather outside the dugout prior to get ready to go to bat against New Philadelphia on May 13, 2026. The Crimson Tornadoes defeated the Quakers 8-0.

Dover's Kara Lint fires a pitch during warmups before an inning starts against New Philadelphia on May 13, 2026. The Crimson Tornadoes defeated the Quakers 8-0.

Dover's Kara Lint gears up to throw a pitch in-between innings on May 13, 2026 against New Philadelphia. The Crimson Tornadoes defeated the Quakers 8-0.

New Philadelphia's Jillian Howard (15) warms up on the mound prior to the inning starting against Dover on May 13, 2026. The Crimson Tornadoes defeated New Philadelphia 8-0.

New Philadelphia's Sara Cardani waits to tag out a Dover runner after an attempted steal in the district semifinals on May 13, 2026. The Crimson Tornadoes defeated the Quakers 8-0.

Dover's Olivia McCue lays down a bunt to advance a runner against New Philadelphia in the district semifinals on May 13, 2026. Dover defeated the Quakers 8-0.

Dover's Ariana Immel slides into home plate to extend the Quakers lead over New Philadelphia in the district semifinals on May 13, 2026. Dover defeated the Quakers 8-0.

New Philadelphia's Alexa Hannah tracks down a pop out to record an out against Dover on May 13, 2026. The Crimson Tornadoes defeated the Quakers 8-0 in the district semifinals.

Dover players exchange high fives at the pitchers mound prior to the seventh inning starting against New Philadelphia on May 13, 2026. Dover defeated the Quakers 8-0 in the district semifinals.

Dover players get into the handshake line after defeating New Philadelphia 8-0, on May 13, 2026 to advance to the district championship game.

Dover players and coaches celebrate in the outfield after defeating New Philadelphia 8-0 on May 13, 2026 in the district semifinals.

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PHOTOS: Dover softball defeats rival New Philadelphia in district semifinals

New Philadelphia players stand along the third baseline as the National Anthem plays before a district semifinals game on May 13, 2026. Dover defeated the Quakers 8-0.

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PHOTOS: Dover softball defeats rival New Philadelphia in district semifinals

New Philadelphia players stand along the third baseline as the National Anthem plays before a district semifinals game on May 13, 2026. Dover defeated the Quakers 8-0.

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PHOTOS: Dover softball defeats rival New Philadelphia in district semifinals

Dover's players and coaches stand along the first baseline as the National Anthem plays before a district semifinals game on May 13, 2026. The Crimson Tornadoes defeated New Philadelphia 8-0.

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PHOTOS: Dover softball defeats rival New Philadelphia in district semifinals

Dover's Abby Lint fires a pitch prior to the first inning starting against New Philadelphia on May 13, 2026. The Crimson Tornadoes defeated the Quakers 8-0 in the district semi finals.

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PHOTOS: Dover softball defeats rival New Philadelphia in district semifinals

New Philadelphia's Marissa Roth catches a ball in left field against Dover in the district semifinals on May 13, 2026. The Crimson Tornadoes defeated the Quakers 8-0.

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PHOTOS: Dover softball defeats rival New Philadelphia in district semifinals

New Philadelphia's Jillian Howard (15) watches the ball before recording an out against Dover in a district semifinals game on May 13, 2026. The Crimson Tornadoes defeated the Quakers 8-0.

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Dover softball shuts out rival New Philadelphia to open title defense

Dover's Abby Lint rifles a pitch to a New Philadelphia batter in a district semifinals game on May 13, 2026. Dover defeated the Quakers 8-0.

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PHOTOS: Dover softball defeats rival New Philadelphia in district semifinals

Dover's Ariana Immel celebrates as Abby Lint records an inning ending strikeout in a district semifinals game on May 13, 2026. Dover defeated New Philadelphia 8-0.

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Dover softball shuts out rival New Philadelphia to open title defense

Dover players gather outside the dugout prior to get ready to go to bat against New Philadelphia on May 13, 2026. The Crimson Tornadoes defeated the Quakers 8-0.

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Dover softball shuts out rival New Philadelphia to open title defense

Dover's Kara Lint fires a pitch during warmups before an inning starts against New Philadelphia on May 13, 2026. The Crimson Tornadoes defeated the Quakers 8-0.

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PHOTOS: Dover softball defeats rival New Philadelphia in district semifinals

Dover's Kara Lint gears up to throw a pitch in-between innings on May 13, 2026 against New Philadelphia. The Crimson Tornadoes defeated the Quakers 8-0.

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PHOTOS: Dover softball defeats rival New Philadelphia in district semifinals

New Philadelphia's Jillian Howard (15) warms up on the mound prior to the inning starting against Dover on May 13, 2026. The Crimson Tornadoes defeated New Philadelphia 8-0.

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PHOTOS: Dover softball defeats rival New Philadelphia in district semifinals

New Philadelphia's Sara Cardani waits to tag out a Dover runner after an attempted steal in the district semifinals on May 13, 2026. The Crimson Tornadoes defeated the Quakers 8-0.

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PHOTOS: Dover softball defeats rival New Philadelphia in district semifinals

Dover's Olivia McCue lays down a bunt to advance a runner against New Philadelphia in the district semifinals on May 13, 2026. Dover defeated the Quakers 8-0.

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PHOTOS: Dover softball defeats rival New Philadelphia in district semifinals

Dover's Ariana Immel slides into home plate to extend the Quakers lead over New Philadelphia in the district semifinals on May 13, 2026. Dover defeated the Quakers 8-0.

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PHOTOS: Dover softball defeats rival New Philadelphia in district semifinals

New Philadelphia's Alexa Hannah tracks down a pop out to record an out against Dover on May 13, 2026. The Crimson Tornadoes defeated the Quakers 8-0 in the district semifinals.

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PHOTOS: Dover softball defeats rival New Philadelphia in district semifinals

Dover players exchange high fives at the pitchers mound prior to the seventh inning starting against New Philadelphia on May 13, 2026. Dover defeated the Quakers 8-0 in the district semifinals.

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PHOTOS: Dover softball defeats rival New Philadelphia in district semifinals

Dover players get into the handshake line after defeating New Philadelphia 8-0, on May 13, 2026 to advance to the district championship game.

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Dover softball shuts out rival New Philadelphia to open title defense

Dover players and coaches celebrate in the outfield after defeating New Philadelphia 8-0 on May 13, 2026 in the district semifinals.

DOVER — Postseason play has officially begun for the defending Division III state champion Dover softball team.

“This is my favorite time of the year,” Dover head coach Hannah Duff said. “Every team is in it to win it.”

The Crimson Tornadoes opened tournament play, defeating New Philadelphia 8-0 on Wednesday, May 13.

On the season, Dover defeated the Quakers three times, outscoring them 29-2.

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“We finished our season strong, and right now we’re trying to keep everyone levelheaded,” Duff said. “With it being a rivalry and tournament game, it started a little bit like I thought then we were able to break through.”

The Crimson Tornadoes were retired in order in both the first and second innings; however, every ball was put into play.

Duff’s message to the team during the first couple of innings: “Keep working”

“The girls were making contact; they were just getting a little unlucky where the ball was being hit,” she said. “We just needed to make adjustments; it’s a different story if we’re striking out.”

Dover players gather outside the dugout prior to get ready to go to bat against New Philadelphia on May 13, 2026. The Crimson Tornadoes defeated the Quakers 8-0.

Dover scored four runs in the third inning after recording three walks and a two-run double by Sophie Bantum.

New Philadelphia recorded its first hit after eight of the first nine batters struck out.

Freshman pitcher Abby Lint got the start in the circle, going four innings, striking out 10 batters and surrendering one hit.

Her sister, senior Kara Lint, came in relief, tossing three innings, allowing one hit and striking out seven Quakers.

Dover's Kara Lint fires a pitch during warmups before an inning starts against New Philadelphia on May 13, 2026. The Crimson Tornadoes defeated the Quakers 8-0.

“They can make any coaches life easier,” Duff said of the Lint sisters. “When you have two solid pitchers, it allows you to utilize them in different ways. One can start, and the other comes in relief. Or you’re able to save one for the next game, it just makes a world of difference.”

After last season's championship run, Duff said staying loose is what she learned from a season ago.

“It’s so important to not let the game be bigger than it is,” she said. “Just play the game no different than we do if the game is in March.”

Duff has emphasized her team to just continue what they are doing.

“We do what we need to do,” she said. “We have fun but also focusing on what is important.”

Dover's Abby Lint rifles a pitch to a New Philadelphia batter in a district semifinals game on May 13, 2026. Dover defeated the Quakers 8-0.

Dover will continue its path to another state championship on Friday, May 21, in Athens at 6 p.m. in the district championship game.

“We’re a solid team from the top to the bottom,” Duff said. “The girls are motivated, and they know what they want and know they can do it.”

Jshondel@usatodayco.com; X:@JacoBShondeL

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Dover softball defeats New Philadelphia in Division III district semifinals