By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
The Holy Cross softball team that won last year’s 9th Region tournament will return to defend its title.
Holy Cross earned a region tournament berth with a nail-biting 13-12 win over Beechwood in the 35th District semifinals on Monday at Holmes.
It was a redeeming victory for the Indians, who had a 2-9 record during the final three weeks of the regular season, including a 12-6 loss to Beechwood.
Thirteen of the 17 players on the Holy Cross roster are sophomores or younger. Last year, the Indians won their first region title on a grand slam home run in the seventh inning of the championship game against Highlands.
The Indians will take a 7-18 record into the district final against Notre Dame (11-11) at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Holmes.
In other one-run games on Monday, Ryle edged Conner, 6-5, in the 33rd District softball final and Scott got past Brossart, 3-2, in the 37th District baseball semifinals.
A bases-loaded single in the bottom of the seventh by junior Andy Reed gave Scott the victory over Brossart. The Eagles will play Campbell County in the district final for the third consecutive year at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Brossart
Softball district tournaments
32nd DISTRICT AT GRANT COUNTY
Tuesday
Championship game: Simon Kenton vs. Grant County, 6 p.m.
35th DISTRICT AT HOLMES
Tuesday
Championship game: Holy Cross vs. Notre Dame, 7 p.m.
36th DISTRICT AT HIGHLANDS
Tuesday
Newport Central Catholic vs. Bellevue, 5:30 p.m.
Highlands vs. Dayton, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday
Championship game, 7 p.m.
37th DISTRICT AT SCOTT
Tuesday
Championship game: Campbell County vs. Brossart, 6 p.m.
Baseball district tournaments
32nd DISTRICT AT GRANT COUNTY
Wednesday
Championship game: Walton-Verona vs. Simon Kenton, 6 p.m.
33rd DISTRICT AT CONNER
Tuesday
Championship game: Conner vs. Ryle, 5 p.m.
34th DISTRICT AT VILLA MADONNA
Wednesday
Championship game: St. Henry vs. Dixie Heights, 5:30 p.m.
35th DISTRICT AT COVINGTON CATHOLIC
Tuesday
Championship game: Beechwood vs. Covington Catholic, 5 p.m.
36th DISTRICT AT BELLEVUE VETS FIELDS
Tuesday
Newport Central Catholic vs. Bellevue, 5 p.m.
Highlands vs. Dayton, 5 p.m.
Wednesday
Championship game, 5 p.m.
37th DISTRICT AT BROSSART
Tuesday
Championship game: Campbell County vs. Scott, 6 p.m.