Beavers fortify WRC, D-I fortunes with win

The demise of the Riverside softball team has been greatly exaggerated.

After being swept by Chardon in two Western Reserve Conference games last week — the first two losses of the season for the Beavers — Coach Bill Ross’ team has bounced back for two impressive victories to get back on track as the postseason looms.

After an impressive win over St. Joseph Academy over the weekend, Riverside beat WRC rival South, 5-1, on May 4 to keep the pace in its loaded league schedule.

The win keeps Riverside (18-2, 8-2) a half-game off the WRC pace set by Chardon (154, 9-2), while South (12-5, 7-3) and North (12-3, 7-3) aren’t far behind.

But more importantly, Ross said, the Beavers have rebounded after two losses.

“I’m super proud of my girls,” Ross said.

“We talked about the meatgrinder we’re in. We know we’re going to lose some games. For them to lose two games against Chardon — those were great games — and come back to beat St. Joe’s and obviously today’s game ... I have a lot of respect for Willoughby South.”

He has a lot of respect for his girls, too.

The Ohio Athletic Conference on May 5released its first spring football all-conference team, and several John Carroll players earned their way on the list.

The headliner was senior offensive lineman Blake Herideen, who won the Ken Wable Award, which is given to the

OAC’s top offensive lineman. Herideen was the leader of an offensive line which paved the way to the Blue Streaks rushing for 517 yards and four touchdowns in three games.

Herideen, a senior from Walsh Jesuit, was also an All-OAC selection.

Joining Herideen on the All-OAC team was teammate and fellow senior offensive lineman Anthony Amata from Lake Catholic. Other All-OAC selections from JCU include:

• Wide receiver Brennan Fugh

• Linebacker Tyshawn Jones of Euclid

• Defensive lineman Dan Garcar of Mentor

• Running back Demerius Goodwin, who had 212yards and three TDs in the spring.

• Defensive back Nate Leopold Marietta defensive lineman Kyle Gallagher of West Geauga was also an All-OAC pick.

— Mark Podolski

BARRY BOOHER — FOR THE NEWS-HERALD Emily Lamos of Riverside celebrates one of her two RBI doubles in the Beavers’ win over South on May 4.

BARRY BOOHER — FOR THE NEWS-HERALD Allison Buttari of Riverside safely dives back to the bag ahead of a tag by South’s Kenna Matriano.