DIVISION IV SOFTBALL Berger's no-hitter leads W. Reserve to next round

Tiffany Palumbo drove in seven runs for the Blue Devils.
By RYAN JONES
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BERLIN CENTER -- Accomplishments often take some time to evolve.
In a game that began last Thursday, the Western Reserve High softball team scored nine runs in two innings before bad weather stopped the game.
The Blue Devils added 13 more Monday, and Mikah Berger threw a five inning no-hitter, as Western Reserve defeated Southern 22-0 in a Division IV sectional final.
Senior Tiffany Palumbo had a game-high seven RBIs.
"It's great to throw a no-hitter in any game, but to throw one in your final home game is especially great," said Berger, who had nine strikeouts.
The Devils even had a postgame ceremony for the seniors, complete with roses and gifts.
Coach Joe Serensky referred to the collective group as, "the super seven," and added, "The best thing about these girls are that not only are they great ball players, but even better people."
Rewarding finale
Seniors Kristen Kurth and Tiffany Shugart agreed it was a nice way to finish their final game at home.
"We have worked had the entire season and this is a really rewarding to win this way," Shugart said.
"I think it helps the team unity that we all get along pretty well with each other," senior Ashley Deas said.
Senior infielder Deanna Zamudio added, "We have built chemistry, we all have played together since eighth grade in many sports most of the time under Coach Serensky."
Teri Bader, another senior, echoed Zamudio's words.
"A big part of our success is that we didn't have any seniors on the team last year," Deas said. "The seniors this year took charge last year; we had an extra year to form this team."
The chemistry is evident. Western Reserve won its first Inter-County League softball title this season.
"The main thing is that they truly care about each other," Serensky said. "Not to say that everything is perfect -- we have our differences. But out on the field, off the field, in the locker rooms the girls pull together as friends do."
High expectations
The team has high expectations for the rest of the tournament.
"I think we honestly have the ability to go to state," Berger said.
Kurth added, "We really want to go all the way, but we have to play our best ball in order to get there."
The Blue Devils will play East Canton Thursday in a district semifinal at Lakeview High in Cortland.
"Our goal for the season was to make it to regionals -- it still stands," Kurth said. "We're not there yet but were hoping to accomplish that."