The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Transfers provide boost for Lorain
Pam Jackson was there when Lorain captured its first Lake Erie League title in football last season.
She was there when it won its first playoff game against Lewis Center Olentangy, and then again for its comeback win against Dublin Jerome in a regional semifinal.
She was there for the basketball team’s run to the regional playoffs in 2015, once more when it won its third straight outright conference title this past winter.
There’s a reason the Titans’ softball coach goes to every Lorain football and basketball game.
“I use them as an example (for my team) as far as playing for each other and not being selfish,” she said. “I tell my girls, ‘If they
can turn it around, why not you?’”
And turn it around they have.
After a 1-3 start to the season, Lorain has won 11 of its last 13 games heading into its sectional semifinal against Magnificat on May 9.
How have the Titans (125, 9-0 LEL) been able to turn it around?
“Motivation and determination,” said third baseman Talia Harris. “We came together and decided it needed to happen.”
Just a freshman, Harris leads the team in several offensive categories, including average (.702), runs scored (36), hits (34), doubles (five), home runs (five) and stolen bases (15).
“She’s very special,” Jackson said. “She has a very high softball IQ and understands and loves the game. She’s a great player, great to coach and she’s willing to learn. She’s a great kid on top of it.”
The team has also benefited from its two transfer students, Selena Shawver and Alexis Moon.
Shawver spent her first three years at Brookside before coming to Lorain to give the Titans a threat in the circle. Shawver has compiled an 8-3 record with a 2.69 ERA.
She has been just as consistent at the plate, boasting a .461 average with 34 RBI and 27 runs scored.
“I was scared at first,” Shawver said about transferring. “I am so happy I did it. I love the team. We’re family and we all get along. It’s been a fun year.”
It has been a fun year for Moon as well.
The junior first baseman is hitting .465 in her first year at Lorain after transferring from Sandusky.
“What really helped us were our two transfer students,” Jackson said. “With them they brought new life, and with the new life that they brought it just made the girls jell really well together and play for each other.”
The team has benefited as a result, most noticeably at the plate.
Lorain is coming off a 25run outburst against Maple Heights on May 3, the fourth time this season it has scored over 20 runs in a game.
“We just have a team of hitters,” senior shortstop Raegan Osko said.
“It’s a lot different than what we’ve had in the past. When you see people hitting, you just feed off their energy.”
Shawver has had a little something to do with that.
“With her coming in it helped us with our offense because she pitches to us in practice,” Osko added.
After all, practice makes perfect.
“The girls are having fun,” Jackson said. “They’re learning and they’re working hard to be great. I just let them know they can be as good as they want to be.”
And this season the Titans have shown how good they can be.