Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Expectations are high for the Oak Harbor softball program after back-to-back state semifinal appearances, but for fourth year head coach Cami Haas, it’s time to turn the page.
“We remember what success feels like,” she said. “These guys don't want to lose. But we remind them that every season is entirely different. We've been at that state final four level two years in a row, and both of those seasons were incredibly different. We reflect, but we move on and see what new challenges this season is going to bring, and we have a very tough schedule. The NBC is pretty stacked again. It'll be fun to see how it plays out.”
One year ago, the Rockets finished 24-7 overall and 10-4 in NBC play, finishing third behind Lake and Eastwood, who both made regionals. The season ultimately ended in the state semifinal against Wheelersburg.
A key storyline going into last year was the debut of Morgan Lalonde as the team’s full-time pitcher. Then a sophomore, she ended up pitching every inning for Oak Harbor, which included facing all but three batters, before finishing with a 2.87 ERA and 142 strikeouts.
One year later, she’s a veteran who not only has that experience pitching, but the added mental toughness of carrying a large load in the circle.
“She's bound and determined that we're going to go in full force this year,” Haas said. “I've really seen that with her. We've only had one scrimmage in, but just practicing, she's hitting her spots really well. She's becoming more consistent with more of her pitches, and I really see that paying off for her and the team this season.”
Offensively, Oak Harbor returns six of nine batters from last year’s lineup, including four all-conference selections in senior shortstop Karder Haas (1st Team), Lalonde and junior Haylee Robinson (2nd Team), and senior centerfielder Tatum Baumgartner (Honorable Mention).
Among the losses to graduation are leadoff hitter and first baseman, Ava Geyer, catcher Allie Giezie, and right fielder Hannah Schimmoeller, who hit nine home runs out of the cleanup spot. Geyer hit .417 while leading the team in hits, while Schimmoeller had team-bests in average (.421) and RBIs (33). She’s now playing at Hiram College.
“We have a number of different players in different positions this year at the plate,” Haas said. “It's the next in line's opportunity to make their mark, and I said that last year. We lost three really great seniors the year before last, and we just said, ‘It's your guys' turn now to make your mark,’ and those kids that came in last year did so. I expect the same out of the ones this year. It's their turn. It’s time for them to produce for the team.”
One key adjustment for Oak Harbor this year is shifting Robinson from third base to catcher with the graduation of Giezie.
Offensively, Robinson hit .379 with 30 runs, four home runs, and 27 RBIs last year.
“We came to her in the offseason, and I think she knew what we were going to say to her,” Haas said. “She nodded her head, ‘Yeah.’ And she's been just incredible. You would never guess that the catcher role is a secondary position for her. She's athletic. She's a soccer goalie. She's come in and owned it from day one.”
In addition to Robinson, standouts like Haas (.417, 39 runs, 5 HR, 32 RBIs), Lalonde (.413, 37 RBIs, 2 HR, 31 runs), and Baumgartner (.358, 31 runs, 3 HR, and 22 RBIs) are back. Haas will continue her career at Walsh next season.
“I expect the same from them, of course,” Haas said. “Our seniors Tatum and Karder have produced for us since they were freshmen, so we expect another strong season from both of them. Morgan and Haylee had fantastic sophomore years, and I expect them to kind of step into even more of a leadership role, especially with Haylee. They’re our pitcher and catcher duo, so whether they like it or not, they're into a leadership role, but they're more than ready for that task.”
In addition to returners Addison Laubacher and Kaitlyn Meloche, who played second base and left field last year, Oak Harbor will see Payne Lohman play one of the outfield spots, and Claire Blausey will slide into Robinson’s old spot at third base.
“There are kids that have been a part of the program since they were freshmen,” Haas said. “We have some juniors that now it's their turn at the varsity level. They’re excited. They have come in and filled in nicely. It seems like everything has been a smooth transition so far for us. We just have great leaders. It's just been a strong culture of high expectations, accountability, but also support, and we've been able to carry that on year after year, thanks to kids who just buy in. I foresee that continuing this season.”
