Lebanon has reached the Division I state semifinals four times in the past seven seasons, including runner-up finishes in 2017, 2015 and 2012. It’ll take another team effort to get back. Lebanon lost in the regional final last season.
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“I think we’re capable of doing it all,” Frank said. “We have an amazing offense and defense. If we come every game ready to play I think we can take it to state. … We always get a little nervous talking about state because we’ve been so close. We haven’t quite made it all the way yet.”
Frank first stepped into the pitching circle when she was about 10 years old. While sister Kayla – a 2014 Lebanon graduate – ended her career as Lebanon’s all-time hits leader, Kat has made her mark keeping opponents off base. Frank entered this season with a 33-5 record and 266 strikeouts. She’s 26 wins away from setting the program record for career wins currently held by Tara Trainer and Bethanie Campbell.
“It’s absolutely crazy. Tara is doing wonderful things in college,” Frank said of the Indiana Hoosiers’ staff ace. “To be grouped together with her in softball is amazing.
“I always did it more for fun. My sister Kim was a pitcher and I wanted to be just like my sister. I took up pitching, too, and I loved it so I wanted to keep practicing.”
Kim Frank, a 2015 grad, finished her career with 45 wins and 410 career strikeouts. Kat Frank’s goal this season, in addition to those 26 wins, is 200 strikeouts.
This season will be the last for Frank on the softball field. She has the talent to play in college. Instead she wants to focus on her chemical engineering degree at Ohio State University. It’s no surprise her favorite classes at Lebanon are chemistry, physics and calculus.
Until then, Frank and senior catcher Grace Gressly form a strong battery to power the Warriors. Gressly hit a team-high .468 with six doubles, two triples and eight home runs. Her 42 runs batted in also led the team.
“She’s an amazing catcher. I feel so comfortable pitching to her,” Frank said. “She hypes me up and makes me excited to pitch.”
The senior class also includes Ashley West (.398, 20 RBI, 15 stolen bases), a four-year starter at shortstop, centerfielder Logan Mueller (.454, 36 runs, 26 stolen bases), left fielder Emma Ball (.429, 21 runs), first baseman Ashleigh Riffle (.333, 9 doubles, 24 RBI), second baseman Riley Vanuk (20 runs), third baseman Audrey Masenheimer and utility player Sophie Gephart.
With softball often dominated by strong pitching it’s no surprise Frank gets much of the attention. But she’s as fast as that 60 mph fastball to credit her teammates for the Warriors’ success.
“I think it’s great because we’re all able to get along. It’s so much easier to play with people you enjoy being with,” Frank said. “I’m actually more relaxed than I’ve ever been. I’m excited to see what we can do. I’m just excited.”
“Our kids have set the goal to win our last game,” Lebanon coach Brian Kindell said. “This group hasn’t shied away from that challenge. They’re focused on getting that done.
“There’s a lot of ways to win games. It may be Kat is not at her best one day and we have to score more runs or play better defense. We’re a complete softball team. We don’t have to rely on Kat, but if you’re going to rely on somebody that’s a pretty good person to rely on.”
10 Players to Watch
Brooke Aselage, senior, Tippecanoe: Paced the Red Devils with .595 average, nine doubles, 32 runs and 26 RBI.
Carly Fugett, senior, Chaminade Julienne: Double threat hit .583 with 33 runs scored, eight doubles, three triples and six homers and 41 RBI; went 7-14 in the circle with 204 strikeouts and 3.80 ERA in 118 innings pitched.
Annika Gels, senior, Eaton: Went 15-5 with 136 strikeouts and 1.58 ERA for the Eagles.
Morgan Gilbert, junior, Greenville: Hit .506 and scored 39 runs with 13 doubles, seven homers and 41 RBI.
Skipp Miller, sophomore, Bradford: Led Railroaders to program's first state appearance in Division IV by hitting .549 witih 32 RBI and going 22-4 with 0.77 ERA.
Caity Moody, junior, Xenia: GWOC South Division player of the year hit .431 with seven doubles, four homers and 42 RBI; went 7-7 with 87 strikeouts and 2.98 ERA.
Korina Murphy, Stebbins: Speedster hit .577 and scored 23 runs, hit 12 doubles, six triples and stole 14 bases while also knocking in 27 RBI.
McKinlee Ruppert, senior, Dixie: Greyhound slugger hit .779, scored 31 runs, hit 20 doubles, five triples, five homers and added 39 RBI; also stole 20 bases.
Sydney Theobald, junior, Butler: Staff ace went 16-1 witih 107 strikeouts and 3.24 ERA.
Kendall Winn, junior, Fairborn: Hit .506 with 15 doubles and six homers, scoring 55 runs with 29 RBI.
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