Staff photo / Brian Yauger Austintown Fitch pitcher Sydnie Watts fires in a pitch against Champion on Thursday.

CHAMPION — Some games get circled on the calendar the moment they’re scheduled.

For both Austintown Fitch and Champion, Thursday’s tilt between area powerhouses was that game.

The Falcons get a crack at a team with a pedigree few in the state can claim, and Champion gets a chance to prove itself against one of the top teams in the country.

With Sydnie Watts in the circle for the Falcons and Gabby Gradishar in the circle for the Flashes, there were only two ways the game could go.

Watts was the difference maker both in the circle and on the plate Thursday, hitting a solo homer in the top of the fourth to propel the Falcons to a 1-0 victory over Champion.

“You definitely circle this game in the preseason knowing what Champion is going to bring in and to match up against a top team in the state, we believe we’re a top team in the state (as well), it’s just amazing to see this level of competition,” Fitch coach Steve Ward said. “We’re very thankful that they hosted us out here, and we’re excited to come away with a win.”

Any time a pair of titans come together like this, it’s going to be a battle. The Falcons move to 12-1 with the win.

“It means so much (to get this win,)” Ward said. “(Champion) coach Cheryl Weaver, she’s legendary. I mean, clearly a Hall of Famer, how many state championships she’s won, and time and time again, her team always comes out ready to play. I cannot give enough credit to Champion, their players, their coaches. Wow, what a game. What a fun game to coach and play in and fans got a heck of a show today.”

Both Gradishar and Watts threw the kitchen sink at each other’s squads. It was three-up, three-down for much of the contest.

Runs were obviously going to come at a premium.

When that pitch in the fourth inning came her way, Watts knew it was the one.

When everyone there heard the crack of the bat, they knew it was landing over the fence.

“I like high pitches and it was high, so I just took it,” Watts said.

Watts mentioned that she hasn’t had her best year at the plate so far, batting .389. It’s something that’s been bothering her, so to hit a home run off of a top three pitcher in the area was crucial.

“I haven’t been hitting the ball very well until this game,” she said. “I feel like I wasn’t contributing like I usually should be with my bat. I’ve been working super hard to get back where I was. I feel like (to get that hit) was really big for me.”

Champion suffers its first loss of the season, falling to 11-1.

For Flashes coach Cheryl Weaver, there isn’t much to hang your head about.

“I’m very proud of my ladies. They did a great job. For a Division III school to hang with the No. 1 Division I team, that says a lot,” Weaver said. “Gabby did a tremendous job, the girls battled up there. Sydnie’s tough. I have nothing but pride for these girls. Because I know it hurts getting your first loss, and you really want to win, but you have to realize, hey, we played a heck of a game.”

Champion has a pair of games on Saturday with Toledo Whitmer and Amherst Steele.

The Falcons have league contests with Howland on Monday and Tuesday. Monday’s game at Fitch will be the team’s senior night.

“They’re 10-4, they’re tough,” Ward said. “Brooke Tatar has had a heck of a year out there along with (Alyssa) Massucci, so we’re excited for another great game.”

Have an interesting story? Contact Brian Yauger by email at byauger@tribtoday.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @_brianyauger.