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The
Lady Wave softball team will be playing today for a state title in
D-II softball. The game is scheduled to
start at 4 pm against the
winner of Poland Seminary and Lagrange Keystone. Photo by Joy D. Greer
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Lady Wave in
finals
Going to the ‘Ship’
By George Starks
AKRON- “We’re going to the Ship.”
The Championship, that is.
Those were the words of Greenville softball Coach Jerrod Newland Friday
after the Lady Wave tripped up Circleville Logan Elm, 3-0, in the state
semi-finals at Akron’s Firestone Stadium.
“It’s been the journey all year and today, we punched our ticket,” said
Newland.
The Lady Braves proved to be no competition for the Wave and Greenville
flexed its muscle right from the very first hitter, senior Paige Wolter.
Despite the rain that hit Akron early in the morning, Greenville lived
up to something Newland has stressed for 10 years.
“Weather is not a factor in Lady Wave softball.”
When Wolter was hit by the second pitch of the game thrown by sophomore
Morgan Conrad, it would prove to be the beginning of the end for the
Brave and the step that was needed for Greenville.
Kelly Martin would follow Wolter and reach on an error.
At that point, the Wave was in business.
Kayla Harshbarger would rip a double to left, proving to be the game
winning hit, scoring two.
“To come out from the get go is just fabulous,” Newland said. “It all
started with our seniors and you’re only as strong as your seniors and
they’re showing.”
Pitcher Ashley Hanes would get a walk, putting runners on the corners
for Greenville, as Harshbarger moved up on a passed ball.
Harshbarger would soon cross the plate for the third run of the game
from a long fly ball to deep center that was held up by the wind,
keeping it in the park, making the score 3-0.
From that point on, it was a defensive battle.
Greenville would put three on in the fifth but left the bases juiced.
On the hill, Hanes was on top of her game, allowing three hits,
striking out two and walking none.
“We will go as far as Ashley will take us,” said Newland. “She moves it
up, down, in and out. She’s just a warrior.”
A big game saver for Greenville came in the field at second base when
sophomore Brionna Greer jumped up and caught a line shot off the bat of
Elm’s Page Gardner in the fourth for the first out of the frame.
“That play was huge,” said Newland. “She went back and made the play
and you know, the kids are working hard and that’s all you can ask of
them as a coach. This is the 109th day of softball this season and
we’re still working hard. We’re going to the Ship. That’s what it’s all
about.”
Now with a record of 29-4, the Wave will look for win number 30 today
and the 113th win for the seniors.
As always, the game can be heard on wtgr (97.5) and wtgr.com with Scott
Ward and Ryan Gathard on the call.
From the start of the season, Newland predicted his team would go to
Akron.
Now, the gold is in sight.
“I believe in these kids and they have bought into the system,” Newland
said. “They got better everyday and allowed constructive criticism to
take place and that’s where we are at. We punched the ticket and play
the final game of the season. I can’t wait.”
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