Two Scioto County softball powerhouses are picking up right where they left off. The first Ohio High School Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association State Poll of the season dropped Monday, and both the Wheelersburg Pirates and Notre Dame Titans are firmly in the title conversation. Wheelersburg opens at No. 3 in Division V, while Notre Dame checks in at No. 6 in Division VII.
The Wheelersburg Pirates have stormed out to a 5-3 start, and their resume already boasts a statement win. This past Saturday, they defeated Watkins Memorial, who currently holds the No. 3 ranking in Division I. Their only losses have come against elite competition: the top-ranked teams in Division IV (Kenton Ridge) and Division II (Anthony Wayne), and the No. 2 team in Division I (Hillard Bradley). This tough early schedule is building a championship-caliber profile for Coach Teresa Ruby's squad.
Offensively, the Pirates are a nightmare for opposing pitchers. The lineup is loaded with talent, led by sophomore standout Lauren Truitt, who is hitting a scorching .636 with a home run and eight RBI. She's joined by junior third baseman and Charleston commit Makenzie Mullins (.500, team-leading 10 RBI) and a deep supporting cast including Maryland signee Ava Estep and Shawnee State commits Jalynn Drake and Mylee Jo Gleim, who has matched Mati Jennings with a team-high three home runs.
Speaking of Mati Jennings, the sophomore catcher is the engine of this team. Not only is she a force at the plate, but she anchors the defense flawlessly, handling a talented pitching staff without a single error. That staff features a formidable one-two punch in freshman Rylan Butcher (3-2, 1.70 ERA) and junior Emmee Eaton (2-1, 0.44 ERA). Together, they've combined for 65 strikeouts against just 13 walks, showcasing dominant control to start the year.
Over in Division VII, the Notre Dame Titans have also opened eyes, earning a first-place vote on their way to the No. 6 ranking. While their full season details are still unfolding, this early recognition signals that the Titans are once again a team to watch. Their placement in the poll confirms their status as a perennial contender, ready to build another deep postseason run. The stage is set for another exciting spring of high-stakes softball in Scioto County.