BALTIMORE – To put it mildly, the Liberty Union softball team shocked everyone a year ago.
The Lions had to come from behind in five of their six tournament wins, and they defeated five state-ranked teams along the way in their improbable Division III state championship run.
While a lot of people didn’t believe in them, the Lions continued to gain more and more confidence with each win, and once they reached the final four, they weren’t going to be denied of winning the school’s first state title.
With almost their entire starting lineup returning, and then adding a few key pieces, Liberty Union has looked the part of a defending state champion, but it wasn’t easy, especially early in the season.
“We went through a lot of adversity last year, but our ability to believe in ourselves and the coaches to believe in us made a huge difference, and it put us in a good position for this year,” Liberty Union centerfielder Payton Hochradel said.
The Lions return to Akron with a ton of momentum. They are 28-1, ranked No. 1 in the state and are on a 22-game winning streak. They have won 41 out of their last 42 games and have a combined record of 52-7 the last two seasons.
Liberty Union will face Akron Manchester (24-5) in a Division V state semifinal at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 5. The other semifinal features Oak Harbor (24-6) and Wheelersburg (26-0). The state championship game will take place on Friday, June 8 at 8 p.m.
The Gales (28-2), who have won an incredible 102 games over the last four seasons, will face Lebanon (26-4) in a Division I state semifinal at 5:30 p.m. on June 7. The other semifinal features Centerville (17-13) and Massillon Jackson (21-8). The state championship game will take place on Sunday, June 8 at 4 p.m.
“We started off the year trying to chase last year and we have figured out how to work with this team and they have bought in,” Liberty Union coach Sean Hochradel said. “The we, over me, mentality has come into effect.”
After the early season loss to Bloom-Carroll, the Lions took a deep breath. Coming off a state title, they were playing almost not lose each and trying to chase perfection. Once they relaxed and started focusing on playing their best and letting the chips fall where they may, it was if all the tension was released.
But make no mistake, the Lions have worked hard to get where they are. They understood full that they could not just show up and expect to win.
“We know nothing is going to be handed to us, so we work hard, and if we knew if we continued to do that, good things would happen,” Payton Hochradel said.
The Lions return the bulk of their lineup from last year, led by their four seniors, as well as junior pitcher Suzie Shultz. The Lions have added freshman Eden Wilson, who has been a perfect complement to Shultz, especially late in games.
The Lions are playing well in all phases of the game, which has led to their outstanding season, but one thing you can’t coach is leadership. Regardless of how talented a team is, one of more players must step up and lead, and that’s exactly what Payton Hochradel has done.
“(Payton) understands you can’t chase the outcome of games, and that it is process over pride,” Sean Hochradel said. “She hasn’t looked at her stats all season, and as a senior she has bought. She had been a heck of a leader the last two years. However, somebody has to be the first follower.
“She can lead, but if no body follows, it doesn’t matter who leads. What I love about this group – they follow, and if you don’t have followers, then all of sudden, you have a crack in the wall and bad things can start happening. It’s important to have a leader but people willing to follow has been the key for us.”
Tom Wilson is a sports reporter for the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette. Contact him at 740-689-5150 or via email at twilson@gannett.com for comments or story tips. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter twil2323.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Back for more: Liberty Union raised the bar and looking to make it two state titles in a row
Reporting by Tom Wilson, Lancaster Eagle-Gazette / Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
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