Jonathan Alder softball head coach Dave McGrew embraces seniors Marlee Jacobs (27) and Kylie King (1) after Wooster Triway won the Division II state championship. It was the final game for JA’s seniors.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
—
One of the most successful eras in Jonathan Alder High School softball history came to an end a few days ago.
The Lady Pioneers, who finished second in the state coaches association poll, fell to No. 1 Wooster Triway, 2-1, during the Division II state championship game in Akron.
After spending a few days winding down from the team’s successful journey, head coach Dave McGrew reflected on the campaign with the Journal-Tribune.
“This year was a learning process for some of our younger players,” said McGrew. “However, with Marlee (senior Jacobs) in the circle, we knew there was always a possibility of reaching the state tournament.”
Jacobs is one of five Alder seniors who were part of a program that played in the state championship game twice during the past four years.
Jacobs and second baseman Danielle Robbins were in the lineup three years ago when JA won the D-II state title.
Jacobs was the starting pitcher and Robbins began her high school career in the outfield.
The Lady Pioneers (who finished this season with a 26-2 record) were delivered a cruel blow the following year when the coronavirus pandemic prohibited them from defending their state title.
Alder fell to arch-rival Hebron Lakewood during the district tournament in 2021.
Following that game on their home diamond, several members of the team vowed that wouldn’t happen in 2022.
It didn’t.
Lakewood was just one of the teams Jonathan Alder defeated along the tournament trail.
“The season was a learning process until our younger players began to buy in to what we were teaching them,” said McGrew. “We knew we had an outstanding pitcher and good defense.
“We also knew we didn’t have the offensive firepower that we’ve had in previous seasons,” he said. “We knew we’d have to scratch out runs when we could.”
In doing so, the coach showed he wasn’t afraid to have anyone – regardless of playing status – square around for a sacrifice bunt when the situation warranted that strategy.
He also wasn’t timid about pinch-hitting for anyone if they were in a slump.
It was, McGrew said, a way to drive home the point the program is all about the team and not individual players.
The process was something the youngsters grew into as the season progressed.
The seniors, who included catcher Kylie King, first baseman Jaden Phelps and outfielder Lizzie Lombardi, compiled an amazing amount of success in just three seasons.
Jacobs, who will continue her career at Ohio Dominican University, posted a 65-5 won-loss record.
The seniors were also part of an outfit that won 75 of 82 contests.
“Our seniors are special people,” said McGrew. “I remember seeing Marlee at Pastime Park pitching to her parents when she was in the fifth and sixth grade.
“Danielle (who will play at Ashland University) hit over .500 this season and took a lot of the younger players under her wing.
“Kylie (who plans to play at Ohio Northern University) was our field commander as a catcher,” said McGrew.
“Jaden came back this year from an injury,” said the coach. “We pinch-hit for her during the regional championship game, but she came back with some big hits and two RBIs at the state tournament. She’s a team player.”
Lombardi didn’t join the program until she was a junior, having last played in middle school.
She developed into a solid outfielder and hit .288 this year. She hit one of JA’s three home runs for the season.
Now, however, the Lady Pioneers must say good-bye to the seniors.
As such, McGrew knows the program is in for a bit of a re-set.
The No. 1 goal for 2023 will be finding someone to replace Jacobs, the Central Buckeye Conference’s Player of the Year.
Alyssa Miller saw brief time in the pitching circle, posting a 2-0 record with a 2.10 ERA.
“Alyssa can be really good,” said McGrew. “She’s been working with Tony Watson (who is also JA’s wrestling coach) on her pitching.
“Tony really helped his daughter Mady when she pitched for us.”
While McGrew will have to fill spots vacated by the seniors, he knows there are still talented players returning next spring.
Shortstop Evan Platfoot hit .348, third baseman Shanna Higgins finished with a .366 mark, outfielder Kiersten Dolby (who may switch to second base) batted .260 with 11 RBIs and outfielder Lilly Walker hit .463.
All four were sophomores this season.
Sophomore Abby Bush, who hit .250 in a limited role, could move into Dolby’s left field spot.
McGrew said there are also some in-coming freshmen who may be able to contribute to the varsity next spring.
Coaches within the program will conduct summer activities to help build upon the program’s tradition.
“We’re going to hold our annual camp on June 27 and 28,” said McGrew. “We had more than 100 girls at our camp last year.
“I think the success the high school team has achieved over the years has built a large amount of interest among the younger girls in the community.”
The coach said the Lady Pioneers will use their 10 days of off-season coaching in July in order to introduce next year’s freshmen to the varsity system.