Composed Generals ready for the moment
THORNVILLE - There are team-defining moments in every season.
Sheridan's came in April at Tri-Valley.
Facing a 12-0 deficit through three innings, the Generals battled back to earn a 16-14 nine-inning victory.
The comeback triggered a renewed determination in Sheridan (20-8), which faces last year's state runner-up Hebron Lakewood (25-0) at 5 p.m. Thursday in the Division II regional semifinal at Pickerington Central.
"Coach (Troy) Wolfe said are we going to lose 20-0 or start hitting?," senior Jamie Fraley recalled. "We didn't give up. Even if we're down, we're not defeated."
Pitcher Liv Johnson played a key role in that victory, holding the Scotties to two runs in the final six frames. She noted the Generals never panicked.
"We were concerned, but we were determined," she said. "We couldn't just pack it in, we had to keep going. We had the confidence in each other to do it."
Her effort this postseason has also been noteworthy. Johnson has allowed just two runs and seven hits with 40 strikeouts in four games.
Wolfe credited the dominance to her consistency and mentality.
"Liv's at the top of her game and even in losses, she has pitched well," he said. "She moves the ball well to go with good speed and command.
"Liv is even-keeled. She doesn't get too excited or down," Wolfe added. "Everyone is relaxed on this team. They don't get up or down, and that's good, especially on defense where they get over their mistakes quickly."
The ability to get a feel for the opposition has also been a factor, Johnson said.
"I've been able to read the batters well, and my catcher (Maddie Arent) is doing the same," she noted. "Everyone is hitting well, and we're playing good defense. We've been working together, and there's a lot of positive spirit in the dugout."
An improved chemistry has been a key ingredient to the Generals' success.
"Last year, it felt like there were small groups, but this year we're a family," Fraley said. "We've all come together and trust each other."
The rally over Tri-Valley provided a turning point for the Generals. Wolfe credited a focus in the offseason by his players in helping to overcome those situations.
"The girls were in the batting cages in the fall and went over to one of the family's barns to hit balls in the winter," he said. "We had some of our best numbers taking part this past offseason. The kids really put the effort in to get better."
The Muskingum Valley League had the Generals ready for the tournament. Maysville and New Lexington have also reached the regional, while Tri-Valley and John Glenn are consistently among the league's contenders.
"The league really prepares us," Wolfe said. "(Maysville's) Madison Riggle is a great pitcher, Tri-Valley hits the ball hard, and Philo and John Glenn are always strong. Seeing different types of teams definitely benefited us."
The Lancers will be the toughest challenge to date. Lakewood has been the top-ranked team in Division II all season behind the pitching of Courtney Vierstra, who had 18 strikeouts in an 8-2 win over Caledonia River Valley Monday.
Vierstra is not the lone reason the Lancers have stayed unbeaten.
"I have nothing but respect for Lakewood and their program," Wolfe said. "There just not Vierstra. They're a very good defensive team, and they hit the ball well."
Sheridan is battle-tested and will not give in to any opponent.
"We're (naturally) composed," Fraley said. "We know their pitcher throws fast, and we've seen fast-throwing pitchers before. We're going to attack and build momentum like we've done so far. We'll be ready to fight."
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