Upper Moreland Softball Preview

UPPER MORELAND SOFTBALL PREVIEW

Coach: Melanie Martino

Assistant coaches: Tina Buccini and Kelly Santry. Volunteer coaches Jackie Martino and Haleigh Woodman (Haleigh was a captain last year and graduated and has been volunteering this season and is a wonderful addition to our staff.)

JV head coach: Daijah Patton, who is new, is another great addition.

Outlook: “We graduated seven seniors last year, all of which were 2- or 3-year starters. Haleigh Woodman, Alyssa Wiley (2023 MVP), Liz Santry, Ryan Richini, Zoe Longstreth, Devyn Kniese (playing club softball at PITT) and Natalie Walton (playing at Mount St Mary's College) All seven are impossible to replace they all left huge shoes to fill.

“That being said, we are optimistic with the four seniors (and captains) we have coming back this year. All four are returning varsity players as well as the young talent that we have this year. Senior Kaylee Brown is a 3-year varsity starter in various positions. Kaylee is an athlete and a tough kid that can literally play anywhere and has for us over the last three years. This year she will be our starting catcher. Eowyn Stainback is one of our three varsity pitchers we will have in the rotation. Eowyn earned her spot on varsity as a freshman. Ava Bailey (OF) is returning after an ACL injury that sidelined her all of last season. Ava has been a varsity starter and a key contributor since her freshman year in our outfield. We are thrilled to have her back. Makenzie Leo is also returning to us after a shoulder injury and surgery that left her sidelined last year. Makenzie would have been a key contributor last year and was greatly missed last season. We are looking forward to having her in the lineup this year. 

We have three other returning varsity players, Stephanie Jones and Jocelyn McCellan, who will be key players for our outfield, and Kelly Bates will be in the circle for us again this year as well as seeing some time in the field at shortstop for us this year. Newcomers for varsity who we expect to contribute are Lianna Adames, Melissa Torpey, Claire Walton and pitcher Delaney Stout who will also see some time in the infield as well.”

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