KEEP IT GOING
North Penn aims to extend playoff streak; area teams have high expectations
It’s been a challenging spring so far, but area softball teams are finally starting to get things going.
A number of teams across the Reporter/Times Herald and Montgomery areas enter the season with high expectations while a few others are hoping to rebound from tough seasons or make a push for a playoff bid. As usual, most teams are replacing at least one key starter from last year but eyeing some promising newcomers or reserves ready to take the next step.
North Penn will again look to contend for the SOL Continental title with a strong returning core despite graduating starting pitcher Bri Battavio (Monmouth). The Knights split the title with CB South last year and made the district playoffs for the 18th straight season.
Both Norristown and Upper Merion are playing under new head coaches as they look to rebuild after tough first seasons in PAC play. Both squads lost a key player, but have a good group of returners spliced with some young newcomers ready to take on the season.
Archbishop Wood will look to ride Marisa Browne’s arm again this spring before the senior
heads off to Drexel. The regular season PCL champs last year, the Vikings won a second straight District 12 title but are still chasing their first state playoff win.
Pennridge, which made a great late season surge into the postseason, will try to balance its returning starters replacing departed seniors as it goes for a second straight district playoff bid.
Lansdale Catholic had its first losing season in 16 years last season and is hoping a group of experienced returners can help the Crusaders back to the upper ranks of the PCL.
Abington
2017 Record: 6-14 overall, 2-10 SOL National Head Coach: Ellie White Notable Losses: Megan Burdziak Players to Watch: Sr. Olivia Bernstein (C); Sr. Renee Reynolds (2B); Sr. Lily Campoli (OF); Sr. Tori Brandenburger (P); Jr. Jess O’Neill (SS); Jr. Brooke Clewell (OF) Outlook: The Ghosts are looking for their first playoff appearance since 2015 and relying on a veteran-laden team to do it. It’s a defensively solid group that will be looking for some consistency at the plate in the always-tough SOL National conference.
Archbishop Wood
2017 Record: 13-4 overall, 11-1 PCL Head Coach: Jackie Ecker Players to Watch: Sr. Marisa Browne (P); So. Kylee Guerrera (3B); Jr. Gianna Lancelotti (SS); Jr. Jules Donchez (2B) Outlook: It’s the last go-round for Browne, who recently committed to Drexel. The standout pitcher leads an experience group for the Vikings, who have won two straight District 12 titles. They’re looking to win their first PCL tournament title and state playoff games this spring.
Dock Mennonite
2017 Record: 16-7 overall, 12-4 BAL Head Coach: Wayne Benner Players to Watch: Sr. McKenzie Gordon (3B/P); Sr. Bri Stoner (CF); Jr. Theresa Beck (SS/3B) Outlook: Dock won a District I 3A title last spring and advanced to the state quarterfinals. With seven starters coming back, there’s a solid foundation to start from. If they stay healthy and peak at the right time, the Pioneers have a lot to be optimistic about.
Faith Christian
2017Record: 17-5, 13-3 BAL Head Coach: Rod Blake Players to Watch: 3B Miyah Brown (Sr), P Emily Blake (So), C Sam Firely (Sr) Outlook: Led by a returning battery of Blake and Firely, the Lions are hoping to contend for a BAL Consititution title again and to carry their success into the postseason.
Germantown Academy
2017 Record: 1-13 overall, 0-11 Inter-Ac Head Coach: John Citrone Players to Watch: SS Sarah DiLello (So), 2B Julianna Sarisky (Sr), P Shelby Kuehnle (Jr), 1B Caroline Kessel (Sr), C Abigail Comrie (Sr) Outlook: The Patriots have six total upperclassmen on a youthful roster looking to improve off a losing season. GA is aiming to be more competitive, especially in league play and are improving at the plate and in the field.
Gwynedd Mercy
2017Record: 10-10overall Head Coach: Charlie Ball Players to Watch: P Alyssa Slovensky (Sr), C Liz Lange (Jr), OF Alyssa Martin (Jr), 1B/OF Meghan McGoldrich (So), SS Haley Weiss (So), OF Jess Dibricida (So), P Lily Panunto (So) Outlook: GMA lost a handful of key players to graduation but have a strong returning core complemented by new players looking to make their mark. The Monarchs are hoping the team’s promise can translate into a competitive AACA season.
Hatboro-Horsham
2017 Record: 17-4 overall, 12-2 SOL American Head Coach: Joe DiFilippo Notable Losses: Kylie Flagler, Brynn Griffith, Alyssa Myers Players to Watch: Kyleigh Dinnien (Sr., CF), Mikaela Fedele (Jr., P), Britt Hubler (Jr., C), Maddy Yeager (Sr., LF), Alicia Tauber (Jr. SS), Logan Cummings (Jr., OF/P), Grace Daniels (Soph., P), Antoinette Spinoso (Sr., IF), Kayla Tauber (Sr., IF), Sam Freiling (C/1B), Kristen Myers (Fr., P/OF) Outlook: “Bringing back a lot of kids with experience in the field and should be able to score a lot of runs. Hope to be competitive in the conference and try to find a spot in the district playoffs.”
Lansdale Catholic
2017 Record: 8-14 overall, 7-8 PCL Head Coach: Paul Suder Notable Losses: Maggie Wunder, Erin Llewellyn, Nicole Passerini, Taylot Molettiere, Meghan Maloney Players to Watch: CF Lauren Crim (Sr), SS Delaney Smith (Sr), RF Rachel Harryn (Sr), C Rebecca Tiley (Jr), P Mary Picozzi (So) Outlook: “LC had its 1st losing season in 16 years and will try and rebound with a young core of players. Consistent pitching and a better defense will be the key as we will be relying on six underclassmen to get the job done.”
Mount Saint Joseph
2017 Record: 13-5 overall, 12-2 AACA Head Coach: Mike Leinheiser Notable Losses: Angela Gervasi (SS), Ava Jancarski (OF), Sofia Little (P/1B) Players to Watch: Senior - Lila Moore (CF), Junior - Kailyn Muhl (3B) & Soph - Paige Parisi (P) Outlook: The Magic placed second in the AACA last season and earned the fifth seed in the 5A District I playoffs but loses three All-AACA starters. “We lost five seniors last year, but, have a a good core of seniors and juniors along with a lot of talent in our sophomore and freshmen classes. We hope to build on the success we had the last few years and continue to establish a program that is successful year after year.”
Norristown
2017 Record: 4-15 Overall, 2-14 PAC Head Coach: Me’Lisa Morgan Players to Watch: 3B Mia Humphries (Jr), C Ashley Kinsey (Sr), 2B Alia Fisher (Jr), P/1B Marissa Dell (Jr), SS/OF Bailee Hendricks (So) Outlook: “The team has been working hard during the preseason to prepare for this upcoming season, including getting to know the coach and the new coaching staff. We have a core group of returning players and a strong group of freshman I am looking to put in and play right away.”
North Penn
2017 Record: 18-6 overall, 10-2 SOL Continental Head Coach: Rick Torresani Notable Losses: Bri Battavio Players to Watch: RF Emily Groarke (Sr), CF Courtney Neal (Sr), LF Tori Chiu (SR), P Britany Moyer (Sr), SS Jamie Beer (Jr), 1B Elia Namey (Jr), SS Jordan Pietreykoski (Jr), C Amanda Greaney (So), 3B Victoria Juckniewitz (So), P Holly Kopp (Fr), P Rachel Lowry (Fr), P Mady Volpe (Fr) Outlook: “We return seven starters from last year’s Continental Conference champions and a great deal of talent in the underclassmen. Our experienced athletes have committed to defending our Continental Conference championship and our tradition of making the district playoffs (18 consecutive years). This is the season where we must be ready every game, every inning and every pitch.”
Pennridge
2017 Record: 12-10 overall, 6-6 SOL Continental Head Coach: Carol Atkinson Notable Losses: Sam Harty, Krista Yerk, Grace McGinley, Meghan Bauer Players to Watch: P Kailyn Bell (Sr), C Skylar Hengeveld (Sr), CF Mary Kate Levish (Jr), SS Kiley Watson (Jr), OF Sara Sztenderowicz (Sr), OF Ally Motts (Sr), INF Emily Hegen (Jr), 3B Gianna Iadonisi (So), OF/INF Morgan Henry (Jr), P/INF McKenna Patterson (Jr) Outlook: The Rams are hoping to cash in on last season’s late surge into the postseason that included a district playoff win. Some key veterans departed, but Pennridge has enough key cogs back to hold the fort while the batting order and fielding is able to get itself in line. Competing in the conference will again be crucial.
Plymouth Whitemarsh
2017 Record: 8-8 overall, 7-7 SOL American Head Coach: Dana Moyer Notable Losses: Ragan Ebersole Players to Watch: INF Lauren Fuhrmeister (Sr), P/OF Kayla Yeager (Jr), C/OF Josee Tassoni (Jr), INF/OF Jen Byrne (Jr), INF Peyton Baldwin (Jr), OF Emma Carney (Jr), P/INF Allison Beausoleil (Jr), C/ INF Gianna Fazio (Jr), INF Kamryn Kropinski (So). Outlook: “Like many teams, we haven’t had a lot of time outside because of the weather, so I’m not exactly sure which girls will be playing which positions, but the beauty of that is that we do have options. I’m extremely excited about this season. All of our girls are great athletes who work extremely hard to improve every facet of their game. I have amazing coaching support and a fantastic group of girls; I can’t wait for the weather to turn and to start our season!”
Springfield Township
2017Record: 3-15 Head Coach: Joshua Ringgold Players to Watch: C Mary Kate Smith (Sr), SS Katilyn Cannon (Sr), 3B Gabby Gaskin (Jr), P Hannah Sebenick (Jr), CF Sam Wynne (Jr) Outlook: The Spartans are the smallest school in the SOL but did make the postseason last year. Their goal is to play hard every game and take lessons from conference play in hopes of competing for a district title.
Souderton
2017 Record: 3-16 overall, 0-12 SOL Continental Head Coach: Liz Parkins Notable Losses: Alyssa McCormick Players to Watch: P Alex Scheeler (Sr), OF Bri Neely (Sr), 3B Jen Klepfer (Jr) C/SS Jess Lepore (So), OF Julia Kistler (Jr), C Alina Skrzat (Jr), INF/OF Emma Hallman (So) Outlook: “We look to have a better season than last year. We have a strong core of players returning to varsity and we are very excited to see what value our newcomers will add to our veteran roster. We are going to take it one game at time, one inning at a time. Our goal is to play as a team. Overall, we are very excited for what this season will bring.”
Saint Basil
2017Record: 4-17 Head Coach: Steve Sonneborn Notable Losses: Angela Ziedler Players to Watch: Sr Paulina Storck (OF), Sr Paige Larini (3B), Sr Carly Jensen (P/SS), Jr Gabby Romano (2B), So Liz Deal (SS/ Utility), So Maria Storck (C), Jadlyn Domico (OF/3B/P), Fr Sydney Scott (1B) Outlook: The Panthers are looking to rebound from a losing season and compete for a postseason berth. “Again we need someone to step up on the mound. Young corps of good freshmen student/ athletes that should get a lot of playing time. Our goals are to give our younger players important playing time and to be more competitive in our league. We need to improve offensively.”
Upper Dublin
2017 Record: 10-10 overall, 8-6 SOL American Head Coach: Heather Boyer Notable Losses: Jackie McMenamin, Sarah Tannenbaum, Allison Blum, Rebecca Matricardi Players to Watch: P/1B Erin Gallagher (Sr), 2B Sarah Sharp (Sr), 1B/DP Brianna Parker (Sr), SS/C Meghan Muth (Jr), 3B Ellie Kelcy (Jr), RF Bela Soriano (Jr), CF Korynn Bischoff (So), LF Taylor Avery (So) Outlook: “We have a lot of depth in returning players/starters from last year which brings good experience. We have a very committed group of players that have worked extremely hard in the offseason, coupled with terrific senior leadership by co-captains Erin Gallagher and Sarah Sharp. We are solid defensively in the field and are looking for our pitching staff to trust the hard work that they put in during the offseason when on the mound this year.”
Upper Merion
2017 Record: 5-14 overall, 3-13 PAC Head Coach: Missy Toto Notable losses: Alyssa Adinolfi Players to Watch: L OF Katelyn Barr (Sr), 3B Emily Reid (Sr), SS Lauren Del (Jr) OF Alexis Ettore (Jr), OF Katelyn O’Brien (Jr), P/1B Kayla Warren (Jr), 2B Colleen Quinn (So), P Olivia Barr (So) Outlook: “We are optimistic about the upcoming season. We have a solid core group of returning players and are excited to see what the addition of a few new players brings to our team.”
Upper Moreland
2017 Record: 12-9 overall, 9-5 SOL American Head Coach: Scott Ludlow Notable Losses: Kayla Sawick, Maddie Mull, Kim Benge Players to Watch: Sr. Chloe Tice (C); Jr. Jenna Sadowski (P); So. Jocelyn Baumeister (P); So. Brianna Hughes (SS); Sr. Maura Casey (1B); Sr. Karly Wasson (3B) Outlook: Despite losing eight seniors to graduation, the Golden Bears will lean on veteran catcher Tice and the 1-2 pitching tandem of Sadowski and Baumeister. Defense and pitching will have to be sharp early as UM works out who fits where in the lineup.
William Tennent
2017 Record: 7-11 overall, 5-7 SOL Continental Head Coach: Deanna Myers Notable Losses: Marissa Govan Players to Watch: 3B Brianna Koonce (Jr), CF Caitlin Mitros (Jr), SS Hannah Reimel (So), 2B Cassidy Hubmaster (Sr), P Kayla Finkelstein (Sr), P/LF Kate Clark (Sr), 1B Devon Fithian (Jr), DP Kate Heim (Sr), C Nikki Reh (Sr) Outlook: “As a team, our goal is to build on the success we had last season and improve our record. I believe this year we are a very solid team and will make it to playoffs. One major goal I have for our team this year is to be consistent all around. We need to be aggressive at the plate and defensively solid in order to be successful. Our girls came to winter workouts and worked hard and I know they are looking forward to finally being able to get out on the field to play. Each girl on the team will be a huge part to our success.”
Wissahickon
2017 Record: 5-13 overall, 4-10 SOL American Head Coach: Mike Borkowski Notable Losses: C Michela Coleman, 2B Zoe Trumbore Players to Watch: P Sara Genell (Sr), RF Eryn Downey (Sr), SS Macy Segal (Jr), CF Siani Paige-Miller (Jr), 1B Ashley Radell (So), LF Josie Johnston (So), C Rory Goodrich (So.), P Emma Clayborne (Fr.), 3b Kailyn Pappanastasiou (Fr.), 2b Steph Braun (Sr.) Outlook: “We are young but talented. In previous years, we were worried about playing young players, but our freshmen varsity players are travel ball players. A lot of our returning players also play travel. This is a great group of girls that know what the word ‘team’ means. They are very easy to coach. We are looking forward to having a good year and growing as a team.”