A look back at Tipp softball

BY JIM DABBELT

During a season that saw adversity and challenges for the Tipp softball team, they finished the season with a 10-17 record and two games under .500 for the season in the Miami Valley League. Even with the changes made during the season, interim coach Skylar Doroda feels the girls really rose to the occasion with some big moments this season.

“I thought the girls focused in when the challenges were set into place,” Doroda said. “There are a lot of girls on this team that are driven to win and give their 100% effort whether that be in the classroom or on the field.”

“I personally think that the change did affect the dynamic towards the girls who started on the junior varsity team and were then being pulled up to play a challenging varsity schedule. It was mentally difficult for them, and I am happy that they stayed with the program this year and hope all the girls come out again next year.”

With Greenville finishing the season in their traditional spot atop the MVL, the league was challenging, with all the other teams in the Miami Division finishing above .500 in conference play.

“My thoughts on how the girls competed in the Miami Division as a whole was competitive,” Doroda said. “There are a lot of competitive athletes in this division. With the challenges in our program this year I think the mental part of the game got our team on some occasions.”

When one of their top pitchers Ella Henn was injured in preseason and missed the entire season, they no double affected the success of the team. But Jaina Drum and Rylan Elms made their marks on the mound for Tipp this season.

“It was a tough start with not having Ella and from formally coaching both Jaina and Rylan last year on Junior Varsity, I thought that they both had stepped up to the challenge pitching at the Varsity level,” the Tipp coach said. “They both were more consistent this year, and they put in the extra time working on their pitching during the off season and during the season.”

At the plate, Tipp did get consistent contributions from the likes of Gracie Raiff, Emily Aselage, Charlize McCormick and Kyla Fry.

“Those hitters were my consistent players who I knew could hit a ball or get on base when I needed them too,” Doroda said. “A couple of those players went through a slump in the middle of the season but then put in more reps after games and just fought back to get placed back in the line-up.”

The future looks bright for Tipp softball, as the Red Devils only lose one senior. With so much coming back and a healthy Henn back, they have high aspirations going into 2025.

“Next year I am hoping for a great season, but from my players coming back I need 100% of your effort, heart, and love for the sport each practice and game,” Doroda said. “With the freshmen coming up they are talented, and I am hoping the girls who have a spot on varsity or junior varsity continue to work hard because not every spot for next year is secured. I am excited to see what Ella, Jaina, and Rylan can do pitching wise. I think these are three really outstanding pitchers for next year.”