Reporter/Montgomery and Times-Herald softball teams replacing key cogs

Seniors depart at the end of every season, it’s the nature of high school sports.

But every once in a while, it seems like there’s an especially large group of seniors that move on, leaving a multitude of teams working to retool and take on their own identities. Teams across the Reporter/Montgomery and Times Herald area are facing that outlook this spring.

Nearly every softball team in the area lost one or more high-impact seniors, some teams saying goodbye to more. As the season begins and rolls into next week, many teams will see how new faces and players in new roles respond to the challenges in front of them.

Local stalwarts like Jackie Bilotti (North Penn), Morgan Yoder (Souderton), Lauren Weidler (Christopher Dock) and Jen Cader (Hatboro-Horsham) have moved on to college, as have a score of other starters on teams. Dock loses five starters, all seniors last year while the Maidens have several big positions to fill, including Bilotti’s in the circle.

Other teams didn’t have the mass exodus of seniors, but their losses were still big. Springfield Twp lost do-it-all shortstop Jewell Ringgold while state AA semifinalist St. Basil lost ace hurler Nicole Eberhard and Upper Moreland bid goodbye to table-setting outfielder Alexa Wister.

Still, teams enter the season with the goals of competing for league titles, like North Penn does in the SOL Continental boosted by returnees like catcher Jovanna Alfonsi, shortstop Katie Beer and new pitcher Bri Battavio. Angie Carty is still plugging along at Souderton while all-league shortstop Dee Moyer has another year with the Hatters.

Upper Merion has won the last three SOL American titles and would very much like to send this year’s seniors off on a 4-for-4 note.

Abington has ace Nikki Ray back, along with a few other key players as it pursues an SOL National title against heavyweight Neshaminy. Archbishop Wood and Lansdale Catholic are hoping their returning players have taken the next step as they eye a PCL crown.

Pennridge and CB West bring new coaches as they look to starting climbing toward contention in the SOL Continental. Other squads like Wissahickon and Upper Dublin, who both had minimal turnover, hope another year of experience is what their young clubs needed.

ABINGTON
2015 record: 15-7, 9-5 SOL National
Head coach: Ellie White 22nd year
Key Losses: Amy Worek, Maddie Malfara
Players to watch: P Nikki Ray, OF Toni Washington, C Aubrey Cataldi, OF Jade Sowell
Outlook: The Galloping Ghosts returned to the district playoffs after a multi-year absence and took it a step further by earning and winning a first-round home game. Abington loses a trio of key contributors, but ace pitcher Nikki Ray returns for her senior season as one of the most experienced arms in the SOL National with a stout defense behind her.

ARCHBISHOP WOOD
2015 Record: 6-10, 6-6 Philadelphia Catholic League
Head coach: Kevin Rosini (2nd year)
Key Losses: Sam Friend (3rd base – 2nd Team All-Catholic), Emily Taylor (outfield – 3rd Team All-Catholic)
Players to Watch: senior Andria Narisi – 1st Base, senior Jess Atwell – Outfield, junior Sophia Kent – 3rd Base, junior Aubrey Kaveski – Outfield, sophomore Taylor Carter – Pitcher/Outfield
Outlook: ”The team took a good 1st step in 2015 by earning a bye into the PCL Quarterfinals. This year the Vikings, with 11 returning players with varsity experience, look to continue their growth and advance farther in the playoffs. More depth on the pitching staff is a key strength along with valuable experience at both corner infield positions and a great overall team work ethic. One area they will look to improve on offensively is to cut down on the number of strikeouts.”

CHELTENHAM
2015 Record: 12-7, 11-3 SOL American
Key Losses: Rebecca Simms, Maddie Bear, Grace DeRosa
Players to Watch: OF Madison Gianelle, Morgan Gianelle, Veata Blair-Graybill
Outlook: The Panthers fell short of the district tournament with a senior-laden team last year. First-team SOL pick Madison Gianelle is back for her senior season to lead what is shaping up as a young group, but one with some experience in key areas.

CHRISTOPHER DOCK
2015 Record: 17-6, 12-2 BAL
Head Coach: Wayne Benner 11th year
Key Losses: Emily Gordon, Mattasyn Shisler, Cassidy Jagiela, Lauren Weidler, Emma Lewis
Players to Watch: P Emily Groarke, OF Lanae Hunsberger, INF Jill Bolton, INF Ella Barlick
Outlook: The Pioneers will have a new look after losing five starters to graduation but the goals remain the same. Sophomore Groarke figures to take over full-time in the circle after pitching a good amount of innings last year. Last season was the deepest Dock has been in some time and there are enough vets to help the team keep competing for a league and district title.

CB WEST
2015 Record: 4-12
Head Coach: Geoff Thompson 1st year
Key Losses: Casey Taylor
Players to Watch: Sr. Abby Morrison – SS, Jr. Emma Dryden – CF, Jr. Taylor Levant – 2B, Soph. Angelina Sherba – P
Outlook: “We have a very young team with only one senior starter. Hopefully we can come together quickly and compete in this very tough league. I really like their work ethic and enthusiasm so hopefully we can put together a successful season.”

GERMANTOWN ACADEMY
2105 Record: 5-15, 1-11 Inter-Ac
Head Coach: John Citrone 3rd year
Key Losses: Olivia Gorman
Players to Watch: P Alexandra Ernst, INF Marissa Magid, P Coleen Carrigan
Outlook: The Patriots return almost the entire roster from last season as they look to build off of the 2015 campaign. A deep pool of pitching will be the building block for this young group as it looks for a big leap up the Inter-Ac standings.

GWYNEDD MERCY ACADEMY
2015 Record: 12-8, 9-5 AACA
Head Coach: Charlie Ball
Players to Watch: INF Christina Shragher, INF Tara Sheahan, C/OF Emily Earley, P Gabbie Salamone, P Alyssa Slovenski
Outlook: Despite losing three starters, the Monarchs have the goods to contend for an AACA and District I title. The team is experienced but also young with several key starters juniors or younger. Look for a few more wins than last year if all goes well.

HATBORO-HORSHAM
2015 Record: 13-9, 7-7 SOL Continental
Head Coach: Joe DiFilippo 6th year
Key Losses: Jen Cader, Jaynie Black, Lexie Campbell
Players to Watch: INF Dee Moyer, C Bridget Schaeffer, INF Kaeli Simmons, INF Kylie Flagler, P Taylor Sciubba
Outlook: “We are a very inexperienced team this year, we will have some new pitching and some new fielders. Hopefully we can keep improving as the season goes on.”

LANSDALE CATHOLIC
2015 Record: 11-13, 9-3 PCL
Head Coach: Paul Suder 11th year
Key Losses: Amanda Bradley, Kaitlyn Motts, Danielle Eckroth
Players to Watch: INF Maggie Wunder, INF Lauren Crim, P Shannon Hill, P Ashley Seal, C Alessandra Messina, OF Abby Caruso
Outlook: A lot of the names will be the same for the Crusaders but not necessarily in the same places. Veteran coach Paul Suder is doing some mixing and matching with his returners and new faces as LC aims for a PCL and District 12 title. LaSalle commit Alessandra Messina returns behind the plate with DeSales signee Hill starting at No. 1 while West Chester signee Seal mends from a rotator cuff injury.

NORTH PENN
2015 Record: 19-3, 12-2 SOL Continental
Head Coach: Rick Torresani 16th year
Key Losses: Jackie Bilotti, Nicole Yanni
Players to Watch: C Jovanna Alfonsi, P Bri Battavio, INF Kariam Bou, OF Courtney Neil, INF Katie Beer
Outlook: “With the experience of Jovann Alfonsi behind the plate, Katie Beer at shortstop, Bri Battavio on the mound and Courtney Neil in centerfield, North Penn will be strong up the middle. The additions of transfer Kariam Bou and newcomer Liz Williams will provide NP added experience in the field and at the plate.”

PENNRIDGE
2015 Record: 4-16, 2-12 SOL Continental
Head Coach: Carol Atkinson 1st year
Key Losses: Alysa Hughes, Natile Babik, Liz Nace, Morgan Labs
Players to Watch: P/OF Megan Johnson, OF Larissa Motts, INF Julia Helbing
Outlook: “This is my first season with this group of girls and we are getting to know each other. I bring a new style of coaching to Pennridge and the girls seem to be adjusting well and are very excited for this season. This year Pennridge is out to make the district playoffs. The team has been training hard this offseason.”

PLYMOUTH-WHITEMARSH
2015 Record: 2-12, 2-12 SOL American
Head Coach: Dana Moyer 6th year
Key Losses: Alison Spinelli
Players to Watch: INF Elena IIannuzzelli, INF Amanda Galczyk, P/INF Ashley Yeager, P/OF Marissa McBride
Outlook: “We have an athletically versatile group and we also have a core group of players returning. Knowing these girls can play a number of different positions is comforting. I’m looking forward to a number of freshmen making an impact this year. With that, it’s almost like starting over with the new girls buying into our philosophy and what is expected of them.”

ST. BASIL ACADEMY
2015 Record: 16-9, PIAA AA semifinalist
Head Coach: Steve Sonneborn 17th year
Key Losses: Myranda Gormley, Nicole Eberhard, Marissa Browne
Players to Watch: INF Abby Carter, C Sam Fleury, INF Amanda Clark, INF Angela Zeidler, INF Carly Jensen
Outlook: “With the transfer of Marissa Browne our pitching staff will need to work hard to keep us competitive. Offensively we should be strong & our defense is extremely good. Our goal is to improve our league record, play well in districts & hopefully get into the state tournament. We’re looking forward to a very competitive season.”

SPRINGFIELD TWP
2015 Record: 9-7, 8-6 SOL American
Head Coach: Curt Cyliax 3rd year
Key Losses: Jewell Ringgold, Alyssa Ard, Brianna Littlepage
Players to Watch: P Jen Hammons, UTL Mary Kate Smith, INF Kaitlyn Cannon, P Holly Ludwig
Outlook: “2016 will be a transition year with the loss of several strong varsity starters for multiple seasons. The Spartans have a deep talent pool of underclassmen which will provide a strong foundation for building the team for the future.”

SOUDERTON
2015 Record: 15-5, 11-3 SOL Continental
Head coach: Stephanie Rummel 4th season
Key Losses: Morgan Yoder
Players to watch: OF Angie Carty, OF Dayna Shelly, INF Missy Wiley, INF Savannah Bostwick
Outlook: After winning the state title in 2014, the Indians will try to put another championship run together with a tough and talented team. Yoder is a big gap to fill on offense and defense, but Carty is one of the top players in the area and there’s a lot of guile and experience around her.

UPPER DUBLIN
2015 Record: 7-13, 6-8 SOL American
Head Coach: Heather Boyer 19th season
Key Losses: Rachel Matricardi
Players to Watch: OF Sarah Tannenbaum, INF Jackie McMenamin, P Rebecca Matricardi, OF Sarah Sharp, INF Sarah Dennin, OF Allison Blum
Outlook: “After graduating only 1 starter from last year’s squad, the 2016 Lady Cards softball team has 10 players returning with Varsity experience this year. That experience, coupled with an abundance of athletic talent and player versatility, makes for some very exciting prospects for this upcoming season. This group of girls has worked very hard in the off-season, and is looking for that effort to translate into a winning season this year. “

UPPER MERION
2015 Record: 18-4, 13-1 SOL American
Head Coach: John Whitney 9th season
Key Losses: Linda Sobek, Daniell Antonucci, Devyn Antonucci
Players to Watch: C Micaela Ghanayeru, INF Dezerea Kandy, OF Abby Volpe, Allie Moffett
Outlook: “Our first goal is to win four league championships in four years. The second goal is to become the first Upper Merion softball team to win a district title and advance to states.”

UPPER MORELAND
2015 Record: 11-9, 9-5 SOL American
Head Coach: Scott Ludlow 17th year
Key Losses: Alexa Wister, Jenn Freeman
Players to Watch: INF Allie Miller, INF Maddie Mull, P Amber O’Connor, INF Briana Byard
Outlook:The Golden Bears have a solid core back for the 2016 season, led by the potent bat of third baseman Allie Miller. Losing Wister, a tablesetter and Freeman, a power bat hurts, but UM has a diverse lineup that can produce runs in different ways.

WILLIAM TENNENT
2015 Record: 9-12, 5-9 SOL National
Head Coach:Biz Keeny 3rd year
Key Losses: Sara Keeny
Players to Watch: OF Marissa Govan, INF Jackie Heim, INF Jocelyn Flores, P Kalisi Taufalele, C Nikki Reh
Outlook:The Panthers have a solid offense led by LaSalle commit Heim, with an ability to break out for bunches of runs in a blink. Taufalele is back in the circle and while replacing Keeny in the infield is a tall order, this team could be a factor if it keeps the defense tight.

WISSAHICKON
2015 Record: 7-12, 5-9 SOL American
Head Coach: Mike Borkowski 2nd year
Key Losses: Britney Gelman
Players to Watch: C Michela Coleman, INF Jules Griffin, INF Destini Paige, OF Andrea Mazurek, INF Zoe Trumbone, P Halle Segal
Outlook: “Last year we started six sophomores, two juniors and one senior and had a pretty good year. I told the girls our goal is to flip the record to 12 wins. Destini and Andrea have looked very good in practice. We expect the juniors to start maturing into very good varsity softball players.”