The AHS softball team is pitching for states 

The Aurora softball team has a dynamic like no other. With two seniors, seven juniors, four sophomores, and one freshman, the softball program has a strong future and a variety of skills and experiences to share with one another. 

When it comes to the team’s culture, junior Sophie Retton said it best: "The culture of the team is indescribable. Each of the girls gets along with one another, making practice and games super fun. From a teammate's perspective, we all help each other become a better player on the field and people off the field."

Many of the girls have been playing together for many years, contributing to the culture, which has only strengthened them. Senior Madeline Dalessandro explained that she “started playing softball when [she] was about six years old!! [She] grew up playing with many girls on the high school team in [her] youth years of playing softball.” Senior McKennah Metzger expanded, “Our culture has always been strong. Everyone gets along, and again are all super close friends. We love hanging out off the field, which grows our relationships.”

Kicking off the season, the softball team started in Florida, going 5-1. Coach Petrash explains, “Two of those were scrimmages, so we came back with a 4-0 season record. We played some tough competition to prepare us for our season.” McKennah Metzger supplemented, “Spring break was so much fun. We worked through many changes and really got comfortable with each other on the field. We went undefeated, which is an awesome confidence boost heading into conference play.”

Since then, the team beat last year’s state champs, Tallmadge, 13-0. This was a huge win for the team, and the girls have maintained a 21-1 overall record and a 13-0 conference record. 

This year’s softball team is certainly special, and the seniors definitely contribute to that magic. On senior night, the team had a perfect game, winning against Barberton 11-0. Plus, the team won against Salem 10-0, making them the Suburban League Champs for the fourth time in a row! 

The girls’ talent is undeniable, and a lot of the girls plan to continue playing softball into their college years. Sophie Petrash says that her “plan for the future for softball is to play collegiate softball.” She wishes “luck to anyone else in the recruiting process because it is a tough thing to go through, but it is worth it in the end.” 

Moreover, McKennah Metzger will play “D1 softball at Coastal Carolina” in the fall, and she says, “[she is] so excited!” Similarly, “After High School, [Sophie Retton] will be continuing [her] academic and athletic career at The University of Findlay.”

Sophie Petrash mentions, “We would appreciate anyone coming to watch the team this spring! Follow us on Instagram and Twitter for updates!” Good luck to the AHS softball team! Aurora is rooting for you!