Ryle aims for 9th Region title repeat

By Adam Turer • kysports@communitypress.com  link - Ryle aims for 9th Region title repeat

The Ryle Raiders are gearing up for the stretch run as they aim to repeat as Ninth Region softball champions.  The top-ranked team in the Enquirer Coaches’ Poll is off to a 13-4 start.  Recently, the only thing slowing the Raiders has been the rain.  “We’re trying to get back on the field,” head coach Patti Oliverio said. “That’s been the problem. The main thing for us going into the stretch run is consistency.”

After winning conference, district, and regional championships a year ago, Ryle beefed up its regular season schedule to prepare for another run in the state tournament. The Raiders have risen to the challenges. Earlier in the season, Ryle defeated then-second-ranked Conner, 16-1.  “We play a tough schedule. We’ve been tested right out of the gate. The schedule forces the girls to compete and focus every day.”

With eight starters back from last year’s team, including pitching ace Haylee Smith, the Raiders entered the season determined to improve on their 28 wins of a year ago. Freshman Ali Crupper has been a welcome addition to the otherwise veteran team. Crupper has stepped in as the team’s starting third basemen and backup pitcher.  “She’s done a really nice job for us,” Oliverio said. “Third base is a tough position to step in and play at this level.”

The Raiders head to North Laurel to play in the Kentucky 5 Star Classic beginning on May 6. The tournament features every top 10 team in the state. Ryle was invited to play in this year’s event after North Laurel’s coach saw the Raiders in action in last year’s state tournament.  “We are really looking forward to it,” Oliverio said. “That will be a great test for us as we prepare for the postseason.”

The weather recently let up enough for the Raiders to play three games in the last week of April. They defeated Walton-Verona, 4-1, and Cooper, 13-1. They lost to one of southeast Indiana’s top teams, East Central. Ryle lost 5-4 after East Central scored twice in the final inning. Only two of East Central’s runs were earned. Playing top teams from outside northern Kentucky helps prepare the Raiders for the challenges they will face in the state tournament. Even a tough loss like that does not deter the focused Raiders.  “We play as tough a schedule as we can. The schedule we play forces us to stay level,” Oliverio said. “We learn from every game and a loss like that will make us better.”