Softball
No. 1 seed flattering, but focus is on GWOC
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Thursday, May 08, 2008
The path to another district title game was set for the Lebanon High softball team Sunday, May 4, at the sectional tournament draw.
But, while Warrior coach Brian Kindell was flattered that his team (21-1 record, ranked No. 1 in Dayton, No. 5 in Ohio) received the top seed, the tournament is the furthest thing from his mind.
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"Right now, the state tournament is the last thing we're thinking about," Kindell said. "We're excited to be the top seed, it's nice to be recognized by other teams as the top team in the sectional, but it doesn't mean a whole lot.
"Our focus is on winning the Greater Western Ohio Conference South Division, which we can do this week. That's it. Nothing more."
The Warriors play in the Dayton II sectional and will host No. 20 seed Stebbins at 5 p.m. Monday, May 12. Should the Warriors win, they will host Springfield North, the No. 17 seed, on Wednesday.
The highest team in the Warriors' half of the bracket is No. 11 seed, Fairborn.
While the Warriors are focused on the present, Waynesville softball coach Dan Stupp is hoping that history repeats itself in the Division III Dayton sectional.
Last season, after losing to Madison twice in the regular season, the Spartans upset the top-seeded Mohawks in the tournament.
Next week, Waynesville will have the opportunity to knock off top-seeded Madison again, if they get past Fenwick in the opening round.
The Spartans (5-13) were seeded sixth in the sectional and face the seventh-seeded Falcons at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Madison High School. The winner will likely play the Mohawks on May 16 at Monroe High School.
"Consistency hasn't been our strong suit, and by staying in the top bracket we only have to win one game to get to the sectional final," Stupp said. "If we can get past Fenwick, we'll be up against a team in Madison, most likely, that we know well.
"Hopefully, history can repeat itself and we can use the fact that we beat them in the tournament last year to build a little confidence. If we can get past Fenwick."
Admission to tournament softball games is $5, unlike the free admission to games during the regular season.
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4526 or shayes@coxohio.com.
