Softball: Centerville welcomes tough schedule, expects to rebound from two tough losses
LEBANON — Wendell Hutchinson expects to endure difficult losses in April like the ones his Centerville softball team suffered Saturday, April 25. After all, he’s the one who makes the schedule. Last year’s gauntlet resulted in a 13-13 regular season and a fourth-place finish in the Greater Western Ohio Conference.
But his team matured and reached the Division I state final where it lost to 3-1 to Lebanon. Whatever helps the Elks reach their potential and get tournament ready is Hutchinson’s scheduling philosophy. So when Lebanon coach and good friend Brian Kindell asked Hutchinson to bring his team to Saturday’s Reds Futures High School Showcase, there was no hesitation.
The task for the Elks: Lebanon and defending Division IV state champion Kenton Ridge. KR, however, is not the typical Division IV team. The Cougars run-ruled Centerville and Lebanon last year in their 32-0 season.
On Saturday, they beat Lebanon 20-1 and Centerville 12-2. The Cougars have won 51 straight and are widely regarded as the best team in Ohio regardless of division. Hutchinson thought his team would give KR a better game, produce more offense than freshman Lalia Mejia’s two-run homer, and get past the sixth inning.
But the most disappointing part of the day was the 7-0 loss to Lebanon. “Hopefully they keep inviting us back,” Hutchinson said. “When you get a chance to play two great programs like Kenton Ridge and Lebanon you got to come out and you got to play your best.