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Regional routine for Mustangs

The Mathews Mustangs softball team is back in regionals this year, following a disappointing loss to Bristol in last year’s district semifinal.

For sixth-year coach Jim Nicula, the return to regionals, and more specifically, the return to Kent State’s Diamond at Dix, is like a homecoming of sorts for his team.

Mathews has won four district titles in Nicula’s six years, and every appearance — including Wednesday’s regional semifinal against Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas — has been played at Dix Stadium softball field.

“It’s candy, it’s awesome when you go to regionals,” Nicula said. “You’re treated different, there’s a lot more exposure with media and television cameras. There aren’t any nerves for the girls, they look forward to that, and Kent provides a sense of home for them.”

In fact, the juniors and seniors on this year’s team played for the 2015 Mathews team that made it to Kent, before a regional final exit against Cuyahoga Heights. Mathews (21-8) will face a tough opponent in St. Thomas (15-11) on Wednesday afternoon, but for Nicula and company, this year’s schedule has provided more than enough hurdles.

Lately, the Mustangs have endured a handful of losses, in preparation for tournament play. However, those losses were to schools like Columbiana, Hubbard and North Canton Hoover, all of which are exceptional softball programs with top-tier pitchers.

“When you play tough teams like that, especially with that pitching, you go in expecting to win, but you know it’s going to be tough,” Nicula explained. “But those games allowed us a chance to sharpen up our skills.”

In district play, Mathews took down Windham, 3-1, in their first game. The Mustangs followed that up with an 8-0 rout of No. 4 Lordstown in the district semifinal, before knocking off second-seeded McDonald, 4-3, to take the district crown.

As for Aquinas, a North Coast League rival of John F. Kennedy, it took the Western Reserve District title as a No. 5 seed. The Knights had wins over Sebring, No. 4 Jackson-Milton on the road, No. 1 Lisbon, and an 18-6 win over No. 2 East Canton in the title game.

According to Nicula, Aquinas has played a very good schedule and appears to be a decent team. Nicula also was impressed with the Knights’ three victories against top seeds in district play.

As for his Mustangs, the key to success in regionals will come down to defense.

“Our pitching and defense has just been phenomenal,” Nicula said. “Right now, Nicole Watts and all of our pitchers have pitched so well, and we’re doing a great job in the field. Last year’s loss (to Bristol) stung, but that has been a big driver for our seniors.”

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