UPPER MORELAND SOFTBALL PREVIEW
Head coach: Melanie Martino (1st year)
Assistant coaches: Tina Buccini, Kelly Sandry (volunteer assistant), Jill Brown (JV coach)
2019 record: 13-7 overall, 11-3 SOL
Notable losses: “The class of 2020 was special for many reasons but Coach (Scott) Ludlow and I had coached all of them off and on since they were little so I knew who I would be coaching and was incredibly excited. The seniors that graduated just can’t be replaced for so many reasons they were an exceptional group of young women. They were Brianna Bean Hughes now at Kutztown playing softball, Jocelyn Baumeister now at Gwynned Mercy also playing softball, Jaclyn Martino is at Thomas Jefferson University playing soccer, Allie Ludlow is at Moravian University playing Volleyball, Brigid Ounan is at Temple University and Sonia Fiel is at University of Pennsylvania. Obviously, they didn’t have their 2020 season but the notable losses would be Jocie, Bean and Jackie. Jocie is doing great at Gwynedd and has been getting great time on the mound as a freshman. Bean is absolutely killing it at Kutztown with at least two home runs and multiple extra-base hits. She is a gifted athlete.”
Key returning players: Seniors Chloe Kramer, Gabrielle Wiley & Rylee McDade
Others to watch: Devyn Kniese, Haleigh Woodman, Natalie Walton, Ava Bailey (Fr.)
Outlook: “We have three seniors who are the only returning players with real varsity experience. We have a really young team but a lot of talent and tremendous heart. The coaches and I are very happy with what we have to build on.
“Our seniors. Chloe Kramer, Gabrielle Wiley and Rylee McDade, each lead the team in their own individual way, and as captains that create a great atmosphere. Gabrielle Wiley is committed to attend and play softball at Holy Family. I’ve coached Gab off and on since she was eight, and she has that extra special something that coaches just love to see. She is just a consistent, clean player that always gets the job done. Kramer covers an incredible amount of ground in the outfield and the bases.
“Other players to watch for are Devyn Kniese, Haleigh Woodman, and Natalie Walton, and teams better not discount freshman Ava Bailey who will be stepping into several roles.
“Coach Ludlow was the UM coach for over 20 years and coached two of my girls, I know I have big shoes to fill.”
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