Mason sophomore Delaney Radtke took two steps to her right and reached across her body to grab a line drive, recording the second out of the fifth inning of the Comets' 10-0 win over Sycamore on April 2. She flipped the ball to shortstop Halle Martin to complete a game-ending double play and secure the second no-hitter of junior pitcher Anna Polca's career.
The win was the 299th of head coach Liann Muff's storied career. While the team will surely celebrate her next victory, she was just as proud of Polca's accomplishment. It will prove to be another reason to smile when Muff looks back on her tenure.
'I'm just here to watch and enjoy it.'
Before the season began, Muff announced that her 15th year as head coach would be her last. Certain moments in the first few weeks of the season have made her wonder why she is stepping down, but she knows she is making the right decision to spend more time with her family.
One thing is for certain: She will always be a part of the program.
Since taking over for Brian Castner in 2011, she has a 299-89 record, has won at least 20 games in 11 of 14 seasons and has averaged 21 wins per season. During her tenure, the Comets have won four GMC titles, 11 district championships and two regional crowns.
"When I think about how many games I've been a part of, I think about the girls that were in those games. This has been so nostalgic for me," Muff said.
Muff coached the Comets to the state tournament in 2013 and 2016. More often than not, the GMC has represented Southwest Ohio at Akron's Firestone Stadium. This season, getting that far in the postseason is the girls' goal; she feels like she's simply along for the ride.
"We're doing exactly what I want to do. I'm with a team of girls who love to play together. They have great chemistry, they are F-U-N all the time and they play their hearts out for each other. I'm just here to watch it and enjoy it," Muff said.
The Mason Comets are potent at every position in the field and at the plate
Aside from the infielders snagging a few key line drives, Mason's defense got an assist from a constant wind that was blowing in from left field.
Even if they aren't helped by the weather, the Comets' take pride in their staunch defense. They have a cumulative fielding percentage of .948 and have been error-free in four of seven games.
"Hitting is going to come and go, but defense is always something that we can count on. If we have good defense, that keeps us in games all the time," senior Addie McBrayer said.
Last year, the Comets opened the season with two losses. Later in the season, they had another two-game skid and a three-game losing streak. While some of the toughest nonconference opponents are in the rear view mirror, Mason has a five game stretch coming up against Fairfield, Lakota East, Oak Hills, Lakota West and Lebanon. Those games are crucial to the Comets' Greater Miami Conference title chances and a measuring stick for the season.
"Taking advantage of ...
