Marion softball team looks for first trip to state
by Eric Clark
Sports Editor
With an overall record of 16-4, and one of the strongest arms in Class 3A in senior Megan Moore, the Marion girls' softball team will look to advance to the state tournament today for the first time in school history.
Marion is the No. 1 seed in the tournament which concludes today. The Warriors received a bye during the first round of the tournament, and face the winner of fourth-seeded Alma-Wabaunsee (4-16) and fifth-seeded Wellsville (3-16) Wednesday at Osage City.
Warrior head coach Charlotte Waner is excited about her team's chances heading into regional play which begins today.
"We have an excellent shot of making it to state," Waner said. "I'm really excited about our chances. If we play the type of ball that we're capable of, we have a great opportunity to win."
As excitement blooms into a feverous buzz and the pressure begins to mount concerning Marion's chances, Waner, 39 weeks pregnant, awaits additional excitement in her life — the arrival of a newborn child, who is expected to arrive at any time in the next week, according to Waner.
"The girls told me that I can't have it on Wednesday, but that I could have it on Thursday," Waner said. "They've got it all worked out."
Childbirth aside, Waner said she thinks her team is ready for the challenges ahead despite a minor set-back after two losses May 15 vs. Herington.
"Right now, losing to Herington might have been a good thing," Waner said. "It might make us hungrier to win.
"If our bats are working, and we've got to get our bats going, and if we play solid defense, things look pretty good for us."
The Marion coach's only concern is that a mental lapse might occur during a crucial moment in the game(s) to come.
"One of the things that concerns me is a possible mental let-down, if we get caught sleeping in a situation where we make some mental mistakes," Waner said. "To me it's all a mental thing.
"It feels like we've done everything we can to be prepared for these games. I think we have a great chance."
Herington vs. Marion
The Warriors ended the regular season May 15 against in Herington with two losses to the Railers to finish third in the Cottonwood Valley League with a record of 6-4.
Marion fell to Herington 2-1 in game one and 3-2 in game two.
The Railers were 17-1 coming into their contest against the Warriors, who saw their record slip to 16 wins and four losses after Thursday's matchup.
Moore pitched both games, striking out 19 batters and allowing 15 hits.
In game one, the score was knotted at zeros until Herington brought home two runs in the fifth inning.
The Warriors mounted a comeback in the seventh inning scoring a run, but couldn't complete the rally.
Heidi Zogelman led the way offensively for the Warriors hitting 2-for-3 and stealing a base.
In game two, the Warriors took a 2-0 advantage in the second inning, before Herington put two runs on the board in the fourth inning, and added one run in the eighth to win the game.
Sarah Williams went 2-for-3, including a double to lead the way for the Warriors offensively.
