Fenwick's Hansen sets Ohio HR record

Fenwick senior Alicia Hansen didn't know her 41st career home run Sunday went over the fence until she reached second base.

But, once she reached home plate, her teammates stormed the field in celebration.

"They haven't stopped talking about it since," Hansen told The Enquirer on Monday. "They were so happy."

Hansen's solo shot in the first inning Sunday unofficially set the new state softball career home run record, according to school officials.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association lists state records as unofficial on its website. Spokesman Tim Stried said Monday the OHSAA will review Hansen's record once it receives a supporting document from the school.

If approved, the new unofficial record would be posted on the OHSAA website after this season, Stried said.

The OHSAA lists West Liberty-Salem's Becka Peterson as the all-time career home run leader. Peterson had 40 home runs from 2009-2012.

Hansen, who is signed to play softball at the University of Tennessee at Martin, hit a solo shot to right center with a full count and one out in the first inning as Fenwick defeated visiting Roger Bacon 8-0.

The game ball was kept from Sunday's game and Callahan said the Fenwick program plans to recognize the state record toward the end of the season.

Hansen said she received multiple phone calls from her uncles and cousins on Sunday and said her record hadn't sunk in yet as of early Monday afternoon.

"I don't think I completely understand how big it is," Hansen said.

Fenwick (10-1), ranked No. 4 in The Enquirer Divisions II-IV coaches' poll, has won five consecutive games.

Callahan said he knew after last season Hansen was seven away from tying the state record.

Hansen has eight home runs this season and is batting .806 as of Monday afternoon.

She has played third base since her sophomore year and is expected to be an outfielder in college.

"She has been just a blessing," Falcons coach Tyler Callahan said. "She is an incredible leader. She is an extremely talented player."

Hansen will likely set numerous Fenwick's school softball records, Callahan said.

"She is a true coach's dream to have not only in the program but in the classroom she is just as good," Callahan said.

Fenwick plays host to Kings on Tuesday afternoon.