BENSALEM SOFTBALL PREVIEW
Coach: Erin Smith (3 years)
Assistant Coaches: Rob Sponheimer, Lauren Morrell, Kate Mulvey, Carly Smith & Camry Pickering
Last year’s record: 5-15 overall
Notable losses: Ayva Knowles (Wilkes University), Camryn Pickering, Destiny Howard (Immaculata)
Key returners: Seniors Lina Sponheimer (1B) and Megan Klein (SS) both earned 2nd Team All State last season. Lina and Megan have both proven they are two of the top hitters in the area we will rely on their skill and leadership a lot this year. Senior Kayla Clarkson will spend most of her time in the outfield but could be called on to pitch some relief innings. Junior Ashlyn Merz will spend her 3rd year behind the plate, her maturity and IQ catching has really grown over the last 3 years. Junior Adrianna Vargas and Sophomore Morgan Edwards will help Clarkson in the Outfield. Also Returning are Seniors Brianna Ryan (P) and Cyanni Burke (3B).
Others to watch: We had an extremely talented Freshman class come in who will be challenging upper classman for starting roles. Freshman – Abbie Krevolin (2B/C), Dana Oliverio (P), Veronica Pachucki (P/3B), Sydney Daut (3B/OF), Gina Oliverio (C/OF), Aubrey Merz (3B/1B), Sydney Schroeder (SS/2B).
Strengths: We have a lot of experience with our upperclassmen. Seniors Megan Klein and Lina Sponhiemer are both 4-year starters and hold probably half Bensalem’s offensive records between the two. Senior Kayla Clarkson and Juniors Ashlyn Merz and Adrianna Vargas all 3-year varsity starters. We are going to have to rely on the experience of those players to help out our freshmen. We brought in a large freshman class who has a lot of talent - don’t be surprised when you see multiple freshmen in our everyday lineup.
Question marks: One of the biggest questions for the Owls will be pitching, last season we didn’t have a ton of depth and injuries had us starting players who haven’t pitched in years. This season our freshmen add depth to the circle we have two freshmen pitchers in Dana Oliverio and Veronica Pachucki who will see a lot of mound time. Freshman swing Anna Marks may also see some varsity innings. They will be thrown to the fire early since every game in the SOL is a battle against a playoff quality team.
Outlook: We had a really rough season last year, injuries and untimely mistakes late in innings had us finish with only five wins. This year should be a lot more productive for the Owls.
- Log in to post comments