Lebanon softball rises to No. 5 in poll
Warriors extend record to 20-1 after 9-0 victory over Springboro. It was Lebanon's 9th win in a row.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
SPRINGBORO — Lebanon's softball team continued its climb in the rankings, reaching No. 5 in the Ohio Division I state poll released on Tuesday.
The Warriors pounded Springboro on Monday, 9-0. It was Lebanon's ninth win in a row and improved the team's record to 20-1. That win came on the heels of victories over Westerville Central (1-0) and Hilliard Davidson (14-2) at the Centennial Stellar Classic at Ohio State University on Saturday.
Extras
Get latest headlines via RSS feeds"We've found a lot of different ways to beat teams during this streak," Lebanon coach Brian Kindell said. "We've scored runs when we've needed to and we've gotten quality pitching and defense when we've needed to win low-scoring games."
The Warriors didn't need much offense to beat Springboro as Bethany Campbell threw five innings of shutout ball and struck out eight while improving to 8-0 on the season.
Lebanon got offensive production throughout the line-up as Alex Machen, Faith Tessmer, Alex Walter and Allie Manwaring all hit doubles as the Warriors built a 6-0 lead over four innings.
"We're just stringing runs and hits together," Manwaring, who was 3-for-4 on the day, said. "We try to jump on teams early and set the tone for the game."
The Warriors set the tone in different ways in Columbus. Tessmer threw a perfect game no-hitter in the 1-0 win over Westerville Central and the Warriors smashed out 17 hits in the 14-2 rout of Hilliard Davidson.
Karissa Tepe and Bethany Campbell led the onslaught against Davidsion with three hits apiece, while Machen, Tesmer and Tory Urton had two hits apiece. Jessica Scott provided outstanding defense in both games at shortstop for the Warriors.
"The difference between this year and past teams is that we're definitely winning as a team this season," four-year starter Chelsea Kaunert said. "We've got each other's backs and nothing is more important than the team."
The Warriors head into the homestretch of the 2008 season focused on wrapping up the Greater Western Ohio Conference South Division title and getting ready for the post-season.
"We're playing well, but we could still be more consistent in all phases of the game as we head into May," Kindell said. "The deeper you get into May, it gets harder and harder to win games unless you are consistent in all three phases of the game, and that includes our ability to bunt the ball in key situations."
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4526 or shayes@coxohio.com.
