It is a showdown between the state’s top two teams as the Licking Valley softball team plays for a Division IV state title against defending champion Kenton Ridge.

First pitch is at 11 a.m. at Firestone Stadium in Akron. Get updates below.

Division IV state, Kenton Ridge 7, Licking Valley 6, Final

Valley escapes early jam with k if a double play.

Madison Evans RBI double after Chloe Cooperrider singled.

Emory Whisner 2-run HR extends Licking Valley lead. Alexa Gilliam makes it back to back HRs.

Dani Lambert adds a 2-run single.

Kenton Ridge answering Valley’s big inning.

Kenton Ridge takes the lead in the bottom of the sixth.

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Get Licking Valley Panthers OHSAA state softball final updates