Softball regionals swing into action

Seasons change. But for the Springville Orioles, the level of success remains the same.

Extremely high.

“Our kids don't seem to get as nervous as they probably should,” said Orioles Coach Beau Zaruba. “These kids have been in so many clutch situations, in so many sports.”

A two-time Class 1A state finalist in basketball - the 2008 champion, the 2009 runner-up - and a state semifinalist in volleyball (all in the past 16 months), 10th-ranked Springville hopes to take its first step toward Fort Dodge when it opens the 1A regional softball tournament tonight. It hosts Central City at 7 p.m.

The Orioles carry a 21-8 record. More importantly, according to Zaruba, they carry some momentum after enduring a tough stretch.

“We've been better lately,” he said. “We're starting to hit the ball better and we're getting some solid pitching.

“Our defense hasn't been the best, but we're hoping to get that fixed.”

Springville is a solid favorite tonight against Central City (11-23), but then it gets dicey in a hurry. East Buchanan, a likely second-round foe Friday, swept the Orioles in the regular season.

The other half of the Region 3 draw features No. 3 North Butler and No. 8 Janesville.

In Region 5, 12th-ranked Lisbon (27-10) hosts Olin tonight, with No. 13 Calamus-Wheatland a potential second-round opponent.

Lisbon edged Calamus-Wheatland and Bellevue by one game to win the Big East Conference crown.

Class 2A regionals begin Thursday while 3A and 4A quarterfinals are Saturday.

Regional finals are July 15 in each class. Regional champions advance to the state tournament July 20-24 at the Rogers Sports Complex near Fort Dodge.