The Wilmington High School softball team, from left to right, front row, Lilly Trentman, Keiana Murdock, Emily Partin, Nevaeh Blackburn, Emily Gerard, Adrianna Eltzroth; back row, Danni Riley, Lauren Diels, Allie Martin, Jaydin Applegate, Addison Kretchek, and Makenna Dorsch.
Wilmington High School softball coach Brian Spurlock knows talent doesn’t always win in high school athletics.
The veteran coach believes his Hurricane squad has plenty of talent to win a lot of games this season.
But depth could be an issue, Spurlock said, as the younger players on the team grow into their roles.
In addition, the team must prepare and focus the same every day regardless of the opponent.
“This team is very talented,” Spurlock said. “We have pitching, we can hit and play defense. We have a great mix of seniors and non-senior players. We have versatile players who are able to play multiple positions.”
Spurlock is in his sixth year (34-50 record) and will be assisted by Lacy Myers and Brian Roberts at the varsity level and Jadence Dalton and Jericka Boggs at the JV level.
Wilmington was 8-12 last season and 2-8 in the SBAAC American Division.
There are seven returning starters for the Hurricane, including starting pitcher Lauren Diels. As a freshman last year, Diels struck out 133 in 103 innings and hit .426 with a team best 15 runs batted in while earning first team All-SBAAC honors. Nevaeh Blackburn was second team last year and led WHS with a .437 average.
Spurlock said newcomers Allie Martin, Makenna Dorsch and Adrianna Eltzroth could make an impact on the varsity squad.
Toria Willis graduated last spring and is the top non-returning player for WHS.
”We can contend in SBAAC,” Spurlock said. “We have talent, but that is not always enough. We need to reach our full potential as teammates, leaders and as people. Also, as is usually the case with winning, you need a little luck.”
Rounding out the team is Danni Riley, Emily Partin, Lilly Trentman, Keiana Murdock, Jaydin Applegate, Addison Kretchek and Emily Gerard.
March 11^Fenwick Scrim^H^5 pm
March 16^Oakwood Scrim^A^12 pm
March 21^Fayetteville Scrim^A^5 pm
March 23^Valley View Scrim^H^11 am
March 25^Clermont NE^A^430 pm
March 27^Batavia^A^430 pm
March 29^East Clinton^H^ 430 pm
April 1^Clinton-Massie^A^430 pm
April 3^Western Brown^H^430 pm
April 4^Blanchester^H^430 pm
April 6^Washington CH^A^11 am
April 8^New Richmond^A^430 pm
April 10^Goshen^A^430 pm
April 13^Xenia^A^11 am
April 17^Batavia^H^430 pm
April 19^Fayetteville^H^5 pm
April 22^Clinton-Massie^H^430 pm
April 24^Madison Plains^H^5 pm
April 26^Western Brown^A^430 pm
April 29^New Richmond^H^430 pm
May 1^Goshen^H^430 pm
May 2^Dayton Carroll^H^5 pm
May 3^Trotwood Madison^A^5 pm
May 4^Bethel-Tate^A^11 am
