WHITEHOUSE, Ohio — Inside the auxiliary gym at Anthony Wayne High School, the Generals' softball team was hard at work getting ready for their latest state semifinal appearance.
"I think we're definitely going with a championship mindset," senior pitcher Kat Meyers said. "One inning at a time, one pitch at a time. Playing every game and every inning as if it's our last. We have a good, big group of seniors here and I know we all want to finish strong."
This is Anthony Wayne's third time in four years making it to Akron. Members of the team say they're already well familiar with this part of the season.
"Being there three out of the last four years, especially for our seniors that are in the program, (is) just an outstanding accomplishment," head coach Ron Myers said. "Many of the players on the team know what it's like to go now."
Anthony Wayne plays Watkins Memorial in the semifinal match Friday at 5:30 p.m. at Akron's Firestone Stadium. It's the same matchup as the previous year's tournament, as well as 2021.
But even after beating the Warriors the last time, the team says they aren't looking past them.
"Obviously Watkins is a very good team," Meyers said. "We've played them, now it's going to be, three times. They have a really good pitcher, really good hitting."
Last year the Generals lost to Austintown Fitch in the state championship. The team said they've learned from last year and believe they know what it takes to win it all this season.
"Our program is based on pitching," coach Myers said. "Our pitching and catching has to come out and be on.
The Generals boast the talented pitching duo of Kat Meyers and Molly Conner. Meyers, who is committed to pitch at the University of Michigan, struck out 11 batters and allowed one hit in five innings of the regional final versus Perrysburg.
Junior pitcher Molly Conner, who is committed to play at Notre Dame, closed out the regional final, also allowing just one hit.
Myers said beyond the team's exceptional pitching, the Generals have to emphasize offense.
"We need to focus on getting some runs in," Myers said. "Everyone in the final four are great teams. They have great pitching, they have great hitting, they have great defense. We want to get there and play our game."
Should Anthony Wayne win their semifinal matchup, they would return to Firestone Stadium to play in the state championship Saturday at 6:15 p.m., facing the winner of Austintown Fitch and Fairfield.