South Range softball prepped for title run
BEAVER TWP., Ohio (WKBN) – South Range softball came up one game shy of a state championship in 2024 and looks to get over the hump this season.
'I'm very excited about this group of girls. We have a big junior class, three seniors this year,' said Raiders head coach Jeff DeRose. 'We have a freshman that's going to be starting, a couple of sophomores. I mean, we're very well-rounded.'
The Raiders lost to Liberty 5-3 in the OHSAA Division III State Title game in 2024 with a team mostly filled with sophomores.
'The expectations are we should probably, hopefully, we'll get back to the regional tournament and see what happens after that,' DeRose said.
Coach DeRose's squad only graduated one senior in 2024, as his team is filled with mostly juniors.
'We all have that mentality of trying to hold up to expectations, you know? I feel like this year, we just have to focus on staying true to ourselves, just not focusing on the state game and trying to take it game by game,' said senior pitcher Jayli Wilt.
The Raiders have 12 juniors as the backbone of the team this season.
'I'm very confident, we have a lot of great players on this team, great individuals, great people and I feel like those build up to a great team,' said senior Giada Pauline. 'I definitely think that we can make it to the state tournament again.'
This year, the Raiders are facing some injuries, including returning starter Addison Wardle, who is out due to an ACL tear.
'We're all great players, we just need to put it together,' said senior player Riley Deciancio. 'We all are here for a reason. We all have very good strengths and when we're together as a team, it's going to be great.'
Coach DeRose said due to injuries, some players are going to be moving around the field in different positions.
'I think everyone has a strength in this team. Every position is filled, we could put any girl anywhere,' said junior Gabriella Spooner. 'We have a bunch of utility players and our pitching this year is amazing.'
'I think it lights a fire under us, more drive to get back,' said junior Anna Aey. 'Everyone expects us to get back in. For me, personally, if we fall short, I feel like that expectation shouldn't have been on us at that point.'
Due to game cancellations from weather, the Raiders will start their season against Mentor on Thursday, March 27.
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