SPRINGFIELD (MONTCO) PREVIEW
Coach: Ed Jones-20+ years
Assistant Coaches: Mike Machalette, Julia McIntyre- JV Coach
Last year’s record: Last year we were in the BAL. League Record was 8 wins and 2 Losses. Overall record was 9 wins and 7 losses
Notable losses: We lost some key positions in catcher and outfield, notably Sammy Juliano, to graduation, and we are going to be a work in progress at these positions. However, the kids we have slotted for these positions are working extremely hard and progressing rapidly.
Key Returners: Kim Machalette, pitcher, Junior, All-League BAL and Kelsea Schagrin, 1st Base, Senior, All League BAL.
Others to watch: We are very excited about two sophomores, Brianna Littlepage last year's starting second basemen who we moved to center field to fill the void in the outfield and Jewell Ringgold, shortstop. We also have a freshman, Jen Hammons, who will probably break the starting line-up somewhere. She can play second and third but more notably as a solid back-up to Kim Machalette our starting pitcher.
Strengths: Kim Machalette is our strength. She has been an all-league pitcher for the past two years and I feel she will be one of the elite in the league this year. We have a very strong defensive unit anchored by Kelsea Schagrin, senior, a very talented first basemen. One of the question marks is our outfield, however, in moving Brianna Littlepage to center she brings speed and a good glove that should help to sure up the outfield. Bridget Bennis, senior, caught some last year and will carry the load this year. She is working extremely hard, and although she is a work in progress, I feel she will be just fine with a little game experience.
Outlook: “We have been runner-up District Champs the past three years, and we are setting our sights on being the District Champs this year. We are also looking forward to being back in the Suburban One and have every intention of being competitive. We have the pitching and defense to be successful, so if our hitting comes around the way I feel it will, we will be right in the hunt. I believe Kim Machalette is one of the better pitchers in the league this year, and Kelsea Schagrin is a four-year starter that should provide excellent defense as well as solid offensive punch.”
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