Cheltenham Softball Preview | suburbanonesports.com

03/29/16 1:34am Posted by editor

CHELTENHAM SOFTBALL PREVIEW

Head Coach: Ron Perlstein 5^th year

2015 record: Suburban One American Conference 11- 3; Overall 11 -7

Key Losses: The Panthers lose six starters from the 2015 squad, including Rhode Island recruit Rebecca Simms, and Rita Laychock, a starter since she was a freshman, Allie Williams, 3B…Maddie Bear CF, and two-time all American Conference pitcher Grace DeRosa, who dominated the American Conference, compiling a 24-4 record over 2 years.

Key Returnees: The Panthers started three freshman last year, returning as sophomores this year are catcher Erin Kuchler, a dominant defensive catcher and the Panthers on field leader, Morgan Gianelle, a college recruit, who as a freshman, led the Panthers with four HR’s last year, will play third, also outstanding athlete Vita Blair-Kraybill, 2^nd team all-league selection as 2B last year, will transition to SS and also pitch. Two-time 1^st team all Conference selection Madison Gianelle is the outstanding senior on the Panthers, she will continue to roam in CF…along with Senior Erika Ferraro, who will continue her position in RF solidifying the Panthers outfield as their strength defensively

Others to watch: Juniors Marissa Custer RF, Mariah Rebitz 2B, and Lara Eisensmidts SS, 2B will round out the starting lineup…Sophomore Izzy Picone will be a utility player in both the infield and outfield and Julia William’s big bat will add to the Panthers offense.

Strengths: The Panthers have experienced winning and the legacy now falls to a younger generation, sisters, Madison Gianelle (.581 avg, 32 hits) and Morgan Gianelle (4 HRs, .387 avg) provided a powerful one-two punch last year and look to lead the Panthers again, Veata Blair-Kraybill is a dynamic athlete (413 avg) and should continue to excel.

Questions: With the loss of Grace DeRosa, the Panthers will rely on varsity untested senior pitcher Megan Smajda. Michelle Laychock and Veata Blair-Kraybill will provide support. The Panthers have to replace the entire infield due to senior losses, the poise of the new infield will dictate the early success of the Panthers’ season.

Outlook: The Panthers have established themselves as a Conference frontrunner and despite the losses of several seniors the Panthers tradition of winning and competing does not look to skip a beat…the Panthers again look to compete with conference foe Upper Merion for a crown.