For the 3rd time in the last ten years the Champion softball team is back at state. The last time they were crowned state champion was back in 1994. But this season, they're undefeated and just two wins away from a perfect season.
"Once you've been there, it's like nothing else measures up," head coach Cheryl Weaver said.
The Golden Flashes are headed back for the seventh time, seeking the fourth state crown in program history.
"We're stoked," Taylor Petersal admitted. "It's been a while since they've been to state. We have never gotten this far. And, for it to be my senior year."
Coach Weaver has led the Flashes to the State tournament twice before. They lost in the semifinals in 2004 and finished as the state runner-up 2006.
Champion has won three softball state titles in the program's history, taking top honors in 1978, 1980, and 1994.
"I told them, ya know, there's gonna be a lot of fans there. Not what you're used to. And, it'll be loud. But, enjoy the excitement of the game," Weaver said.
Being on the big stage doesn't seem to phase the undefeated Flashes.
"It's fun when there's a lot more people there," pitcher Lindsay Swipas said. "It's louder, and I usually do a good job of staying focused, so that usually doesn't get to me. It just usually motivates me and pumps me up."
Motivation has not been a problem for undefeated Champion (25-0). The Flashes are especially dangerous at the plate, posting a team batting average of .368.
"Oh yeah, we hit when we need to hit. We're always hitting, hitting, hitting," Petersal laughed.
Teammate Hayley McAllister agrees, "We have a lot of fun when we do it," she said. "So, we don't go up there all pressured and nervous. We're just relaxed, and we know to make contact with the ball and let the other team do something with it."
Champion will have its hands full Thursday afternoon facing off with undefeated Clear Fork (31-0).
Senior Tawny Rogers is aware of the stakes at this stage of tournament play.
"Representing Champion, Ohio for the state of Ohio, I mean, it's a good feeling," she said.
Meanwhile, Cheryl Weaver is hopeful that her third trip to the State Final Four will be the charm.
"Any time you go there, you say this is our chance, this is our chance, this is our year," she revealed. "But, ya know, I believe in the girls, and I think they believe in themselves, so we're ready."
The Division III State Semifinals will take place at Akron Firestone Stadium. First pitch is slated for 12:30 p.m.
