Jonathan Alder third baseman Jillian Jakse watches after clubbing the ball during the 2019 Division II state softball semifinals at Akron’s Firestone Stadium. It remains to be seen whether the Lady Pioneers will have the opportunity to defend their state championship. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
Jonathan Alder High School’s softball program ruled the roost by winning the Division II state championship at the conclusion of the 2019 season.
Whether the Lady Pioneers (who were 29-1 last year) will be permitted to defend that title this spring remains to be seen, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We could have a veteran team coming back this season,” said Jonathan Alder head coach Dave McGrew.
The Lady Pioneers lost only two starters from last year’s squad in second baseman Angela Brandel and catcher Caitlyn Craig.
“We’ve got a lot of great talent coming back this year,” said McGrew.
The coach pointed to third baseman Jillian Jakse, outfielder Lindsay Potter, shortstop Emily Walker, second baseman Danielle Robbins (who was scheduled to move from the outfield), first baseman Kelsey McDonald, outfielder Cierra Clark and pitcher Marlee Jacobs.
The team’s final practice before the state-wide school shutdown was on March 12.
McGrew said since that time, members of his squad have been working out on their own time schedule, some of them with their fathers.
“I think the girls are happy just to stay active,” he said. “We as coaches are not permitted to practice with the teams at any location.”
McGrew, like several other area coaches, said an abbreviated schedule could be put in place if the school shutdown is lifted in the near future.
“We could start a shorter season the first of May and then go right into the tournaments,” he said. “We were going to go to Panama City Beach (in Florida) for our spring break trip, but that’s now canceled.”
One good thing about the shutdown is that it’s allowed a couple of Lady Pioneers to heal from injuries.
Jakse missed the entire basketball season due to a back problem and Potter had surgery on one of her toes.
“Both girls are back, but it remains to be seen whether we’ll get to play the season,” said McGrew.
A full cancellation of the 2020 season would mean that Alder seniors such as Jakse, Walker, Potter and Clark would see the end of their high school careers come crashing down with a disappointing thud.
Several Jonathan Alder players have already signed to play softball on the collegiate level.
Jakse has committed to Youngstown State University.
Potter will play at The Ohio State University, while Walker is set to play at Ohio University and Clark will join the University of Rio Grande program.
McGrew said not being able to defend the Lady Pioneers’ state championship would be highly emotional for everyone involved in the program.
“It would be crushing and devastating if I couldn’t go into (softball) battle with these kids this season,” he said.