Madison graduation 2012
Warren County CC graduation
New Miami graduation 2012
Triad loss hits hard
Sunday, June 03, 2007
ASHLAND, Ohio — In a rare moment, especially for her, Triad coach Shari Dixon broke down after her team's second straight loss in the state title game.
Anyone who knows Dixon knows she can contain her emotions until she has some privacy.
The ball rolls under the glove of Triad catcher Chelsie Brooks as Dalton's Jessica Carmichael slides across home plate to score the first run of Saturday's game. Staff photo by Bill LackeyBut not this time. This year was different.
Triad (23-8) really thought this year was its year.
"I thought we had a little more experience and maybe the nerves would be out of the way a little bit," Dixon said. "All in all, I don't think we were nervous. A couple players were intimidated and that comes back from last year. We've just got to be able to get over those things."
Everyone was back from last year's team that was, understandably, nervous in the 2006 state finals.
And it sounds weird to think about it, but Triad is actually the team to beat in 2008.
Everyone is back from this year's squad that lost just a few seniors from the 2006 team.
Everyone also has two years of state tournament experience.
It hurts now, but Triad fans should remember the road to Ashland. They have to be a favorite to be back next season.
One good thing: Dalton pitcher Jessi Carmichael won't be.
"She is a good pitcher," Dixon said. "She keeps everyone off balance. I wish her all the luck. She threw a nice game (Saturday)."
Triad pitcher Morgan Ryan, a sophomore, also threw a nice game, striking out three while giving up six hits.
She will be back next season as one of the keys to Triad's run at its first state title since 1992.
Contact this reporter at 328-0737 or lsullivan@coxohio.com.
