Springfield, Ursuline to square off in district

May 21, 2014 at 12:05a.m.

The top-seeded Springfield Tigers and fourth-seeded Ursuline Irish aren’t tournament strangers.

They’re just foreign divisional opponents.

Between Tigers coach Matt Weymer and Ursuline coach Sean Durkin, there’s a mutual admiration for the success their respective programs have enjoyed over the past three years.

Both teams won district titles a season ago and after moving up to Division III this year, the Tigers now find the three-time defending champion Irish the first hurdle to accomplishing another district championship dream.

“It’s definitely going to be a little different facing Ursuline with a district championship berth on the line. Over the last few years we’d scrimmage in order to prepare for state and we both know what the other team does on the field,” said Weymer, whose Tigers won the last three Division IV district titles.

“As much as we enjoyed the success that we did in Division IV, we’re looking forward to a new challenge and we definitely have that with Ursuline.”

The Tigers (21-4) defeated Ursuline twice during the regular season but are just 4-3 in their last seven contests.

Weymer plans to give Dalton Donachie (6-1) the starting nod, hoping that he can hold the Irish offense.

“Both teams will focus on what they do best, hoping to minimize mistakes while capitalizing on opportunities when presented,” Weymer said. “We know about them and they know about us so it’s going to be up to the kids to decide what I feel will be a great game between two excellent programs.

Durkin counters with Dion Felger (3-2) and while he’s hoping his starter can stifle the Tigers’ bats, he’s also hoping his teams’ bats come alive. Ursuline is 8-10.

“If the truth be told I wish Springfield was still playing in Division IV. Both teams have enjoyed a lot of success and are used to winning at this time of the season,” Durkin said. “We’ve been in every game this year, but have suffered our share of one- and two-run losses. We’ve gotten excellent pitching and have played strong defense, but must now figure out a way to score some runs; especially against a talented offensive team like Springfield. We expect a low-scoring game so runs might be at a premium.”

The other Division III clash pits second-seeded Girard (19-3) against third-seeded South Range (21-3).

Girard advanced to district play with an 8-3 win over East Palestine in a sectional final while the Raiders disposed of Campbell, 8-2.

“We last won a district title in 1986 so that’s been our motivation this season. We’ve gotten good pitching and played solid defense all season,” Indians coach Aaron Alejars said. “Timely hitting and situational baserunning have also been keys, so we really believe that this is our time.”

If anything, today’s game between the Indians and Raiders will be the rubber game of their district semifinal matchups with the Raiders winning last season and Indians in 2012.

Girard has won seven of its last nine contests and will count on Kyle Harris (7-0) in his bid to remain undefeated.

As the Indians look to end a 28-year district championship draught, the Raiders still look to add a first-ever championship plate to the baseball banner that hangs in their gymnasium.

“It’s great to once again be in this position, especially with three other very talented teams. Getting out of the district still remains our goal,” Raiders coach Jim Hanek said. “We’re going up against an excellent team in Girard — one that is well-coached and fundamentally sound.”

Hanek gives the ball to Tyler Baird, who will be looking to improve to 7-1 while leading the Raiders to a second consecutive district final in the process.