Springfield Spartans Softball
2016 Pre-season Preview
Coaches: Curt Cyliax 3rd year, Josh Ringgold 2nd year
Coming off the 2015 season with a 9-7 record, the 2015 Spartans graduated over half the starting lineup, including three players selected as all Suburban One league athletes. The biggest shoes to fill for the 2016 season are in infield positions where the Spartans lost seasoned veterans Alyssa Ard (3rd base), Brianna Littlepage (2nd base) and shortstop Jewell Ringgold who moved on to play softball at Neumann University. The 2015 Spartans ended the season with a loss to Christopher Dock in the first round of the AA playoffs.
Returning for 2016 are seniors Holly Ludwig, who sat out the 2015 season with a concussion, and Jen Hammons who returns to the circle. Jen has committed to play softball at Ursinus College, and alongside Co-Captain Holly Ludwig, will lead a talented pool of underclass players. Also returning for 2016 are utility player seniors Shey Lozada and Amanda Schagrin. Most notably amongst the returning underclassman are utility player sophomore Mary Kate Smith (a coach’s player) and Kaitlyn Cannon on the corner. A strong freshman class for 2016 sees three freshmen on the varsity team roster.
2016 will be a transition year with the loss of several strong varsity starters for multiple consecutive seasons. Yet the Spartans have a deep talent pool of underclassman which will provide a strong foundation for building the team for the future. As the Spartans prepare for Suburban One American Conference play, they expect to compete well against league opponents while the team’s players for the future gain confidence throughout the season. With two strong pitchers in the mix, executing in the field will be pivotal to a competitive season. The Spartans will work hard through 2016 to rebuild the strong infield play of past seasons.
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