Play ball!

The umpire sweeps off home plate during Wednesday’s season opener for Van Wert, as the Cougars hosted Division IV preseason No. 1 Lincolnview on a cloudy and windy day at Russell Fisher Field at Smiley Park. The softball team also opened the season at Jubilee Park against Lincolnview. Game results can be found on the Sports page. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent