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It's
a scene Greenville softball coach Jerrod Newland hopes to see for
the next four games. The
Lady Wave will play tonight in the regional
srmi-finals against Granville. Game time is 5:00, live on
wtgr and
wtgr.com. CNO File Photo
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Our Family vs.
Your Team
LWSB seeks redemption
By George Starks
Greenville- It was just a year ago when Greenville was looking to make
another run to the state srmi-finals in Akron.
That run was cut short at the regional level by Granville.
This evening, Greenville will look for a little redemption against The
Blue Aces as the 25-6 Lady Wave will hook up with the 20-9 Blue Aces in
Mason.
Greenville has made an appearance at the regional level nine times in
the last 11 years.
The last time the Wave played at Firestone Stadium was in 2012,
bringing home silver.
"At this point, it's about more than just the team," said Wave coach
Jerrod Newland. "Now it's about school pride and community. In 05 and
06 it was about the tournaments and the trips. Now, it's about the
alumni, the community and the fans. Our goal is to go to the final four
and the ultimate goal is to change the signs."
The signs Newland refers to is the state championship signs as one
enters Greenville. The goal is to add an 2016 state champions sign to
go with the 2007 sign.
Now in his 14th season, Newland has notched another 25 win season and
will like to see a final record of 29-6 with another state title.
Since 2003, Lady Wave Softball has blazed a trail for the sport in the
area.
With target on their backs, the Lady Wave coach takes that as a
positive for the program.
"We've had 13 straight 25 win seasons since I've been at the helm" said
Newland. "I'm proud of the kids. I'm proud of past players, present
players and future players. The little ones out here running around are
the future of this program. Softball has become a tradition here. I
hope that continues for future generations."
It was just a year ago that Granville mafe school history. Not only did
the Blue Aces knock out Greenville but went on to win state.
"This team is a good team," admitted Newland. "It doesn't mater what
you record is at this point. This team played some good competition and
would love nothing more than to knock us out again and win another
state title. I'm excited about thursday night. It's our family vs.
their team. Our family is stronger than their team."
According to Newland, it all boils down to one word.
Faith!
"I have faith in these kids," said Newland. "There's no doubt in my
mind that we have enough of what it takes to change the signs as you
come i to town."
The last time the Wave went to state, the three Wave seniors were in
the eighth grade.
Jasmine Petry, Allison Munich and Ashten Jesters all know one thing.
"This is our last shot at state,," said a very emotional Kesters.
"We've come close but we've never played in Akron. We all want this
badly."
With only three seniors on the team, the Wave will look to Munich to
toes the rubber on Thursday in hopes of a Greenville victory.
While Minnich is the centerpiece of the team, Kesters will split up at
short while Petry will take her place at first.
The rest of the Wave defense is made up of underclassmen.
For some, that is a concern but not for Minnich.
I'm comfortable with everyone that plays behind me," said Minnich.
"That is my defense and they've had my back all season. This is a great
group of girls and they are the family. There's a lot of team support
here and support goes a long way. We have more faith in each other.
This team has more heart than anything."
For Petry, it about making that trip to Akron but gives the credit to
Newland.
"He keeps us motivated," said Petry. "He has taught us what is means to
play as a team. Even in losing, we play like a team. We pick each other
up and we are there for each other. That's what success is all about."
Kesters summed it up well by saying, "we all want this and it makes up
much each other that much harder. We all want to change the signs."
If the signs are to be changed, it will all start tonight in Mason
starting at 5 pm.
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