Poland softball set for state

Staff report

POLAND

Chuck Masluk has coached the same group of girls for the past three years, but this is his first as manager.

Big step up?

“No, being the manager just means more paperwork,” he said, chuckling. “All the coaches work with the kids.”

Masluk has helped the Poland 11-12-year-old softball team advance to the little league state tournament that begins today in Lucasville, which is a 41/2-hour drive from Poland on the southern tip of the state.

The Bulldogs open play today against Clyde. This is the fourth straight year Poland’s 11-12 team has advanced to the state tournament.

“The core group of this team has been playing together for four years,” said Masluk. “They’ve just put in a lot of hard work over the years.

“More than anything else, they’re really team-oriented, not individual.”

Poland beat Boardman, and beat Canfield twice in the District Two tournament.

Like the districts, the state tournament is double elimination and runs through Wednesday.

Poland must win at least four games to capture the crown and advance to the regional tournament in Carthage, Mo., which competes from July 30-Aug. 8.

Last year’s team was eliminated after falling to Avon 1-0 in eight innings in a consolation bracket game.

The Bulldogs also lost to Bucyrus 4-3 and beat East Hamilton 16-0.

All but two of the players are 12, with Kristyn Svetlak and Megan Marsico the only 11-year-olds.

Other team members are Allyson Deemer, Arlia Duarte, Aleah Hughes, Cara Kalouris, Abigail Masluk, Madison Rowe, Danielle Rutana, Jenna Schettler, Claire Testa and Kathryn Wilson.

“We’re very strong and deep in pitching, which makes life a lot easier,” Masluk said.

Coaches are Dave Marsico, Don Schettler, Duane Hughes and Rich Deemer.

“Plus [we get] a lot of help from all the parents,” Masluk said.

“This is truly a team of a bunch of girls who love the game, and parents who support the team.”