‘She’s a generational player’: Poland standout hits the record books

POLAND, Ohio (WKBN) – Poland softball Senior Mary Brant inked her name in the OHSAA record books with her performance in a win against Boardman on April 25, 20-6.

The Poland star had five hits in five at-bats with two home runs against Boardman. She also recorded 10 runs in the game.

“She’s a one of a kind, she’s a generational player, comes along every so often,” said Poland head softball coach, Jim Serich. “How many times can you plug somebody in at shortstop for four years and just go, okay, we’re good.”

Brant missed the first three and half weeks of the season due to an ankle injury. The Poland star said she is healthy again and ready for the tournament.

Coach Serich said when Brant returned to the lineup after injury, his nerves disappeared.

“Put her third spot in the batting order and hope one or two of the hitters in front of her get on and get her and good RBI spot,” said Serich. “That’s what you want her to do.”

According to Coach Serich, Brant has hit over 20 RBIs this season with a batting average of nearly .400.

“It just one of those days where I asked her, what is the ball look like coming at you?” said Serich. “Probably looks like a volleyball or a basketball, she said, Oh, yeah.”

“Just making sure I find my pitch and because they threw three pitchers at us,” said Poland Senior Mary Brandt. “We had to adjust on the fly, but just really looking for mine and taking it for a ride.”

Brant is now in the Ohio record books. She is tied for 9th all-time in the entire state with 10 RBIs in a game.

“Deep breath and then make sure to see it in, it’s kind of just see ball hit ball,” said Brant. “You do all the mechanics like in practices or hitting lessons. Just fluid when you get up there.”

The Poland shortstop said in her final season she wants to bring home a championship.

“Kind of with a bang, I mean, I feel like this whole season’s been a bang,” said Brant. “Just the underdog story, everyone always thinks of Poland as someone to beat but, I mean, we work just as hard as everyone else. It’s Super exciting. I mean, kind of leaving a lasting impact, which is what I wanted to do.”

After graduation, Brant will continue her athletic and academic careers at Robert Morris University.

Poland has an overall record of 10-10. The Bulldogs suit up again against Hubbard on Tuesday, April 30 at 5 p.m.

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