SOUDERTON SOFTBALL PREVIEW
Coach: Courtney Hughes (2nd season)
Assistant coaches: Bob Tybring, Sam Flowers, Bre Dickerson
Last year’s record: 7-7 SOL, 12-7 overall
Key losses: Olivia Shoemaker, 2B, Alex Faccenda, 1B, Alycia Stiles, SS, Elysha Sowers, 3B, Liz Sowers, DH/C, Cory Amenta, Utility (Injury)
Key returnees: Seniors- Brittany Beebe, P/IF, Liz Parkins, P/IF , Juniors- Mollie Burrell, C, Taylor Yoder, OF, Moira Golden, OF; Sophomores- Sarah Derstine, IF.
Others to watch: Juniors- Corrine Stiles, IF, Lauren Urbanski, Utility Sophomores- Taylor Schwartz Freshmen- Haley Delany, 1B, Amanda Brush, OF, Paige Shelly
Strengths: This year’s team packs experience where it matters; in the circle and behind the plate. Without a doubt, our pitching is our top strength. Returning both starting pitchers from last year should allow us to compete with the best lineups in the league. The rest of our team is made up of young talented players with something to prove. We have really focused on improving our defense in all areas this year. It should prove to be one of our strengths with the athleticism we will have on display at key positions.
Question marks: This year our question marks stem from an unproven lineup. Our hitters are young and talented, but we are without the big bats that were consistent to our lineup last year. We have players that could step up to become those clutch hitters, but it will be a matter of when and how. If we experience growing pains throughout the course of the season, it will be important for us to learn from each situation and continue to get better. The hope is that this team will come together and play some of its best ball by the end of the season.
Outlook: Souderton Softball has a lot to be excited about this year. We have proven winners returning to lead the team from the circle. Both of our pitchers want to go out on a high note, which would be a fitting end to two stellar careers. Each player on this team has something to prove. We are trying to replace the bats we lost last year in Shoemaker, Stiles, Sowers, and Faccenda. It will be a huge task, but I think we have the talent potential to make it happen. We have unproven and young players capable of stepping up and making a difference, but the question will be who. If we figure out how to produce in key situations, we’ll have something to say to some of the top teams in our league. We’re playing in the same conference with two of last year’s state semifinalists, who really did not lose a lot to graduation. Our toughest competition comes in the way of league play, so it will be important for us to learn and get better each game. We’re looking to peak at the right time this year, so that we can play our best ball when it matters most!
Fun fact: By far this group of players is made up of some of the most positive and devoted girls you’ll ever meet. They really have bought into the program and the importance of playing for the pride of their community. You ask any of the girls on the team they’ll tell you in a heartbeat that their favorite colors are Red and White. Many of girls worked out together as part of a fall cross training programwith the track team, which brought them closer together as a group. And finally, there are times practices can get a little confusing as we have four pairs of repeat first names.
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