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By CODY TOMER
Staff Writer
NEW MANCHESTER -- The 2016 season for Oak Glen softball was one to remember.
The Golden Bears (14-14) were regional champions and made it to the state tournament, falling just short of a state title.
However, the senior class of six talented athletes had a moment to remember.
Maryssa Durante, Christina Gailey, Kami Koper, Mikayla Crane, Mackenzie Jacobs and Logan Andrews were all at the state tournament and missed graduation but fourth-year head coach Morgan Martin made sure it was still a special memory for the graduates.
"It was a cool experience," Martin said. "The seniors used Skype to make them feel like they were at graduation and we had a special ceremony in the hotel for them. They were sad to miss it but they were excited and thankful at the same time.
"Our six seniors all played different roles and we will have a lot of moving around to do."
However, Oak Glen's run to the state tournament did not come easy.
"We fought hard and had a lot of fun," Martin said. "We just couldn't quite get it done but it was a good season and a roller coaster season. We overcame adversity, obstacles and injuries but because of those injuries, a lot of freshmen and sophomores saw playing time.
"This year's freshman class is the only group to not see varsity playing time yet so we do have a lot of young experience."
Leading this year's team into action is a group of three seniors, which includes Hannah Clunk (P), Emma Smith and Taylor McKay.
Clunk was a first-team All-OVAC selection, second-team All-State selection and a member of the West Virginia State Tournament team last year. She also picked up first-team All-OVAC accolades in her sophomore season, while earning second-team All-OVAC honors and an honorable mention for All-State as a freshman.
"Clunk has worked very hard on and off the field," Martin said of her senior. "She has earned everything that she gets."
The junior class is made up of Alyssa Creese, Hannah Jacobs and Mackenzie Murray.
This year's sophomore class includes Eileen Flowers, Aidan Hall, Hannah Patterson, Graci Tice, Hanna Tice and Hannah Walker.
Freshmen looking for playing time are Lexi Andrews, Brittney Giorgini, McKayla Goodlin, Devin Jones, Cierra Miller and Janaya Montgomery.
"I believe that our speed can make a big difference for us," Martin said. "We have a lot of speed this year and we are going to take advantage of that."
Joining Martin on the coaching staff is assistant coach Sherrie Ganrer, jayvee coach Stephanie Tingler and volunteer assistant Chris Clunk.
"I am optimistic with our coaching staff," Martin said. "We are all invested in this team and we are excited to get started."
"Our goal at the end of the day is just to graduate young women who are ready for the real world," Martin said. "I believe that practice and games will help them do that. As long as they go as far as they can and see what they can do."
March 18: East Fairmont (2) 1 p.m.
March 21: at Wheeling Park 5 p.m.
March 22: Fairmont Senior 5:30 p.m.
March 23: University 4:30 p.m.
March 25: at North Marion (2) 1 p.m.
March 27: at Weir 5:30 p.m.
March 28: at John Marshall 5:30 p.m.
March 30: at Brooke 5:30 p.m.
March 31: Indian Creek 4:30 p.m.
April 1: Morgantown (2) 1 p.m.
April 4: at Edison 4:30 p.m.
April 5: at Bellaire (2) 4:30 p.m.
April 6: Wheeling Park 5 p.m.
April 7: at Indian Creek 4:30 p.m.
April 10: Brooke 4:30 p.m.
April 11: East Liverpool 5:30 p.m.
April 12: Weir 5:30 p.m.
April 13: at Martins Ferry 5:30 p.m.
April 15: Harrison Central (2) 1 p.m.
April 18: at East Liverpool 5:30 p.m.
April 20: Beaver Local 4:30 p.m.
April 21: at Bub Riggleman Tournament TBA
April 22: at Bub Riggleman Tournament TBA