Poland 9-10 girls state their case

July 30, 2015 at 12:05a.m.

POLAND

Last summer, the Poland 9-10 Little League girls’ softball team was denied an opportunity to play for the state championship after finishing runners-up to Canfield in District 2.

That Canfield team, though tested by Poland, went on to win the state crown in convincing fashion.

With roles reversed, Poland prevented Canfield from making a return trip to defend their title as they came out of the loser’s bracket to win twice and secure this year’s District 2 title.

On Saturday in Tallmadge, Poland and three other teams begin their quest for this year’s state championship trophy.

“The girls are excited to be the District 2 representatives in the state tournament. We played some very good teams locally, but now we have the opportunity to face new teams and new challenges at state,” manager Dave Wolfe said. “Personally, I’m grateful to be their coach. They are a closely knit group that has worked really hard to prepare for this time. I want to see them go out there and shine. They have earned it.”

With this year’s district crown, Poland’s 9-10 girls have now won six District 2 titles over the past 10 years while eyeing what they hope will become a fourth state championship during that same period.

Pitching depth is key and expected to draw the opening game mound assignment is Alaina Scavina (1.15 earned run average, .367 batting average).

“I’m a little nervous, yet excited at the same and ready to get to work. As a team, we’re ready to go and looking forward to state,” Scavina stated. “We want to be the team that brings back the next state title. We want to showcase Poland Community Baseball.”

Set to receive Scavina’s pitches is catcher and defensive stalwart Emily Denney (.323).

“Having our backs to the wall in the district was nothing new to us, so to be able to rally like we did just gives us momentum heading to state,” Denney added. “This team never gives up. Solid pitching and playing good defense will be needed at state in order to win.”

Solid up the middle is also paramount and with Paige Ogden (.367, 1.15 ERA) at shortstop, Emma Wolfe (.247) holding down the Keystone sack and both Sophia D’Angelo (.257) and Meredith Trevis (.216) roaming centerfield, Poland’s middle defense is one of the very best.

Ogden (1.15) and Wolfe (2.93) are pitchers as well.

“We’re an excellent offensive team, but rely on defense and have pitching depth, which has been big for us so far,” Ogden noted.

First baseman Maria Fire (.341) and third baseman McKenna Dinard (.253) round out the infield.

Assistant coach Lou Denney said the team’s diamond intelligence and work ethic is what sets them apart from other teams along the tournament trail.

“This is an intelligent team; one with a high softball IQ whose players are very coachable. It’s been a team effort from top to bottom and when one player is in a slump, another is right there to pick up her teammate,” Denny said. “Their parents have instilled in them a solid work ethic and they understand what needs to be done in order to win. That makes Dave’s and my job that much easier.”

The remaining outfield members include Mary Brant (.233) and Alaina Francis in left field, and Sophia Dedo (.237), Lexi Kalicatzaros and Katie McDonald (.317) in right.

Gary Williams, district administrator for Ohio District 2, called the Poland program one of the area’s elite in Little League.

“Poland has an excellent overall program, one that is well-coached with excellent pitching instructors,” he added. “It’s as if they re-load every year; not rebuild.”

Poland kicks-off the double elimination tournament 10 a.m. when they take on District 1 champion Ashtabula.