Bensalem Softball Preview

BENSALEM SOFTBALL PREVIEW

Coach:  Erin Smith (4)

Assistant coaches: Rob Sponheimer, Lauren Morrell, Kate Mulvey

Last year’s record: 5-15 overall

Notable losses: Lina Sponheimer - Alvernia; Megan Klein - Sienna; Kayla Clarkson

Key returners: Seniors Ashlyn Merz (C) and Adrianna Vargas (OF), Junior Morgan Edwards (OF); Sophomores - Dana Oliverio (P), Gina Oliverio (OF), Abbie Krevolin (IF), Veronica Pachucki (P/IF), Sydney Daut (IF/OF) and Aubrey Merz (IF)

Others to watch: Freshman Makenna Chaykowski (IF/OF), Sophomores Henna Mizan (IF) and Anna Marks (P/IF)
Juniors Abby Cornett (DP) and Julia Fraioli (IF)

Strengths: Our biggest strength may be that we were young last year too, so a lot of these sophomores have varsity experience under their belts. 

Question marks: The biggest question mark is replacing last year’s seniors. Lina and Meg not only both played stellar defense – they combined to hold a majority of the school’s offensive records, and Kayla played such a vital role for us in both the circle and the outfield. It’s going to be hard to replace players of their caliber.

Outlook: “We are very young – two thirds of the team are underclassmen. Our goal is to improve on last year and grow. Senior Ashlyn Merz is a four-year varsity starter. She is a strong leader behind the plate. She has grown each season, and I expect her to have a very solid year.
“Sophomore Dana Oliverio took on the role of team Ace last season, and she has put in a lot of work in the offseason. 
“Sophomore Abbie Krevolin has really grown and matured in a year she’s moving over to SS this year and she doesn’t play like a sophomore.”