Young Raiders back in regional

May 29, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

BEAVER TOWNSHIP

Three years ago, the South Range High School softball team’s reward for earning a regional berth was a date with undefeated Champion.

“We definitely were playing some standout ballplayers in that game,” said Stevie Taylor, this year’s South Range shortstop who was a freshman in that Division III semifinal game at Massillon High School.

Among others, Taylor was referring to Lindsay Swipas, Haley McAllister and Sierra Blackson.

“And we had plenty on our team, too,” Taylor said. “It came down to who hit the ball more and we just came up short.”

Champion won that game, 5-1, and went on to win the state championship. A year later, Champion repeated.

In 2012 and 2013, the Raiders were loaded with experience, but came up short in district play. Last year, they fell to Ursuline, 2-1, in nine innings in the district final.

That’s one reason why last’s week’s 5-4 victory over Ursuline in the district final felt so good.

“It’s amazing, especially because we had the opportunity last year,” junior catcher Sarah Moretti said. “We kind of got revenge — that’s probably the biggest part.”

South Range (24-5) will play Independence in a regional semifinal today in Massillon. The Raiders are hoping to advance to their second regional championship game in five seasons.

“This year, we’ve got such a young team,” said Taylor, the Raiders’ only senior.

Sophomore outfielder Morgan Czopur said they were under everyone’s radar.

“No one expected us to get this far,” Czopur said. “Stevie and all the coaches have pushed us and I wouldn’t want to play for anyone else.”

In addition to Moretti, head coach Don Feren has plenty of juniors sprinkled in his lineup: third baseman Taylor Helon, outfielder Jordan Youngs, first baseman Kendall Syms and outfielder Jessica Skirpak.

He also has three freshmen playing key roles: pitcher Caragyn Yanek (13-3), second baseman Lydia Baird and outfielder Codi Taylor.

Feren doesn’t consider them rookies any longer.

“We’re 29 games into the season — they are no longer freshmen in the coaches’ eyes,” Feren said.

Look at how the Raiders handled their wild seventh-inning against the Irish. After Stevie Taylor flipped the ball too high for Helon and a run scored, Feren gathered his infield on the mound.

“It got away from her, it’s going to happen,” Feren said of the error. “When I called timeout, I had a freshman say, ‘Don’t worry about it, it’s going to be all right.’ “

That freshman was Yanek, who ended the game by inducing a popup.

“That’s just type of girls these are,” Feren said. “They’re going to pick each other up.”

Three of the Raiders are making regional appearances for the second time in a little more than two months. Czopur was the point guard for South Range girls basketball team that won the Division III district title. Syms and Youngs also played basketball for head coach Tony Matisi.

“Both feel amazing,” Czopur said of another regional date. “It never gets old.”

After playing varsity basketball as a sophomore and junior, Stevie Taylor decided not to play her senior year to concentrate on softball.

“I played travel softball all winter and I think that helped me prepare for spring a lot better than I normally do,” Taylor said.

“We all know what’s on the line,” Taylor said. “I know I need to take every game like it’s my last because it very well could be.

Ursuline head coach Michael Kernan said Taylor’s defense was a huge factor.

“She made a couple of nice plays that 99 percent of the time [are] base hits,” Kernan said. “The great athlete that she is, she made it look simple.”

Helon echoed his words.

“She’s one of the best seniors we’ve ever had,” Helon said. “She has so much confidence in us and she never lets us get down. She always makes sure we’re cheering.

“She’s always a great role model to look up to.”

Feren and his assistant coach, Jeff DeRose, have been working together for six seasons.

“We feel this might be our best team,” Feren said. “We are a better team one through nine.”