Canton South senior softball player Evelyn Lynn chases state home run record

CANTON TWP. — Her high school softball career may be winding down, but Canton South senior Evelyn Lynn still is chasing history.

Lynn took another step in her journey in the Wildcats' 12-2 Division III sectional semifinal win over Brookfield. No. 12-seeded Canton South advanced to play at No. 2-seeded South Range at 5 p.m. Thursday in a sectional final.

Lynn left little doubt about where her 56th career home run was headed. The ball exploded off the bat and landed well beyond the deepest part of the centerfield wall. She now sits just four home runs behind Mount Vernon's Hope Straight for most in the OHSAA record book with two full games and the continuation of a game left on the season schedule.

"She broke the Stark County record (42) earlier in the season," Canton South head coach Cassie Stanford said. "The state record is the one she wants really badly. She's been fixated on that number since before the season started. That has always been her goal."

Things lately have not been easy in the chase. Opponents are well aware of Lynn's reputation. She drew walks in her three other plate appearances against Brookfield. That included an intentional walk with two outs and nobody on in the first inning. That's not a new experience for Lynn, who was walked all six times she came to the plate in a recent series against Orrville.

"I've been feeling the pressure a little bit lately," Lynn said. "The hardest part about chasing the record has been the walks. As a competitor, I just want the chance to hit. I understand why they are doing it, though."

Whether or not Lynn ultimately breaks the record in the remaining games, she has left a legacy that will loom large long beyond her time at Canton South. She holds numerous school records and was the area triple crown winner according to stats submitted to the Repository last season.

"She has been such a fun player to watch," Stanford said. "She has been an extremely hard worker for as long as I've known her. She sees a hitting coach in her own time and she is always here doing extra work at practice. She's just been a force to be reckoned with. She has a relentless drive that pushes her forward at all times. She is always working to get better."

Despite her gaudy numbers, Lynn has never been a player who forces the action.

"She's not just out here swinging for the fences," Stanford said. "When she is walked she tries to be aggressive on the base paths and contribute that way. That's to say nothing of her defense. She's an incredibly sound shortstop for us. I also had her at third base one year and before that she was a really good catcher. She can truly play anywhere."

Lynn also has a positive impact on her teammates.

"She just has a magnetic personality," Stanford said. "The other girls are just drawn to her. She makes a real effort to keep everybody around her on the team up no matter how a game is going for her personally. Everybody on the team has her back."

It's hard for Lynn to believe the ride is almost over. Tuesday was likely her final home game. Lynn's teammates gave her plenty of help to make that final experience a good one. Ellie Collins had a two-run home run for the Wildcats. Peyton McKenzie added a double and three RBIs. Hannah Valentine pitched a complete game and did not allow a run after the first inning.

"I'm going through a lot of emotions right now," Lynn said. "It's really hard to believe this is my last game here. I've got so many great memories here. I'm excited for what the future holds but this place is always going to have a special place in my heart."

Reach Cliff at cliff.hickman@cantonrep.com

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This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton South senior softball player Evelyn Lynn chases state home run record