TIPP CITY — Experience doesn’t necessarily ensure an edge, but it sure can fuel the fire within.

That’s what Tippecanoe (27-5) will be up against in Poland Seminary (23-2) in today’s Division II state softball semifinal at Akron’s Firestone Stadium.

Poland was beaten 
1-0 by Hebron Lakewood in last year’s D-II state final. The Bulldogs have been on a return mission and hung the tag “Unfinished Business” on this season.

In contrast, it’s the first state final four for the Red Devils. Tipp has firmly established itself, winning the Kenton Division of the Central Buckeye Conference the last four seasons, totalling 88 wins in that time and making three of the last four regionals.

Two seasons ago the Red Devils were knocked out of the playoffs by eventual state champ Hamilton Ross, 1-0. Last season, CBC rival Springfield Shawnee pulled Tipp’s postseason plug after losing two to the Red Devils in the regular season.

“This is a big step for our program,” said veteran Tipp coach Charlie Tackett. “We’ve been on the doorstep for a long time.”

Pitcher CC Alvarez has been Tipp’s go-to player, leading the club in many categories. The junior (18-2) has nearly 175 strikeouts and a 1.53 ERA. She’s just as lethal at the plate, leading the team in five major categories, including batting average (.549).

But it’s been catcher Kortney Tackett who has provided the greatest intangible. Said coach Tackett, no relation: “She’s the glue who has held this thing together all season.”

Poland counters with its own junior pitching standout, Erin Gabriel. She’s already verbally committed to the University of Tennessee, one of the NCAA’s best women’s softball programs. She fanned 12 and allowed just two hits in a state-clinching 6-1 defeat of Walsh Jesuit.

Besides returning to state, Poland will have benefitted from playing eight games at the site in the last two seasons, including all its regional games.

Tipp grasps that kind of advantage. Red Devils fans stuffed Northmont in last week’s regional, especially in the final against Cincinnati Mother of Mercy.

Tipp left for Akron following an enthusiastic send off by students and residents on Wednesday. The Red Devils loaded into a school bus and were followed by a long succession of well wishers.

That also could make a difference.

“I’ve always said that you’ve got to be good, healthy and lucky,” Tackett said. “When you have those three things together, you can go pretty far and we’ve had that this season.”

Tippecanoe leaders:

• At bats: 113, CC Alvarez.

• Runs: 40, Alvarez, Darlene Reinhard.

• Hits: 62, Alvarez.

• 2B: 14, Kortney Tackett.

• 3B: 4, Alex Dawes.

• HR: 4, Jordynn Kostyal.

• RBIs: 43, Tackett.

• SB: 15, Alvarez.

• BA: .549, Alvarez.

State first-timers: Tippecanoe, Baltimore Liberty Union, Columbiana.

Perfect matchup: Bellville Clear Fork (31-0) and Warren Champion (24-0) are the only two unbeaten teams in the field of 16. They’ll play in today’s second D-III semifinal.

TV: SportsTime Ohio, TWC Ch. 99 on tape-delay.

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