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Poland All-Stars ready for regionals
“I think we can compete with anybody because the girls have been together for so long and know pretty much what they are able to do.”
Jim Serich
Poland coach
The girls’ 13-14 -year-old team will begin play Saturday in Akron.
POLAND — The Poland Little League 13-14-year-old All-Star state champion softball team has high expectations heading into the regional tournament at Akron Firestone Park.
In the National Pool with state champions from Kentucky, Illinois and Wisconsin, Poland goes against Illinois Saturday at 5:30 p.m. They will then play against Kentucky Sunday at noon and Wisconsin, Aug. 4 at 8 p.m.
State champions entered in the American Pool are Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, with Elyria as the host team for the event.
The top two finishers from each pool will play single elimination Aug. 5 and the championship game is scheduled for Aug 6. at 2 p.m.
“We have 11 players on the team and seven of them helped win the 11-12 state title last year, went on to the Missouri Regional and finished second,.” said Poland’s coach, Jim Serich.
“The girls wanted to win the state tournament this year and get back to the regionals because they had so much fun last year,” he added.
“The girls are from the same community and have played together since they were 7-years old, said Serich. “I think we can compete with anybody because the girls have been together for so long and know pretty much what they are able to do.”
Members of the team are Emily Chandler, 13, who was the winning pitcher as Poland edged Ashtabula 6-5 for the state title. She also plays shortstop.
“Meredith Testa without a doubt is the team MVP,” said Testa of the 13-year old leadoff hitter. “She caught 21 innings in less than 36 hours, 14 on Sunday and seven Monday in the state tournament.
“Kasie Serich threw 10 innings one day to enable us to reach the state final and she only gave up three runs in those 10 innings,” added the coach. Kasise Serich is 13 and also plays second base.
Jim Serich said Sylvia VanSuch, 13, an infielder and outfielder, is one of the most fun kids to be around. “She gives 110 percent all the time,” he said.
“Marissa Travis is our number-two hitter and the best bunter on the team,” said Jim Serich of the 13-year old. “She covers a lot of ground in center and makes spectacular catches for us.”
Maura Bobby, 13, who plays infield, outfielder and catcher, hit a home run in the district final against Boardman. Maddy Christoff, 13, an infielder and outfielder, is a good role player and does things really well, said Jim Serich, who added Amber Isaacson, 13, an outfielder, catches everything hit her way and is a good contact hitter.
Courtney Capan, 14, an infielder and outfielder, is one of the team’s power hitters, while Kelsey Malenic, 14, plays third base and is a key defensively against opponents’ bunting. Jenn Harkelrode, 14, anchors the infield at first base and is a good contact hitter.
The team’s assistant coaches are Doug Trevis and Mark Isaacson.