Delco Softball Preview: Expect Chichester, Interboro to slug it out in Del Val again

There’s no denying that reigning Del Val League champion Chichester will miss 2015 Daily Times Player of the Year Meghan Wimmer, who is continuing her career at Brown University.  Wimmer set a record at the Class AAA level for most strikeouts in a career while leading the Eagles to their first state playoff win.

No Delco softball team had more success in 2015 than coach Jamie Blumenthal’s Eagles, who enjoyed a 22-3 campaign

With juniors Nicole O’Donnell (catcher), Hayley Coale (first base) and Jayna Harris (second base), and senior Alex Maher (shortstop) back in the fold, the Eagles will stay tough to beat.

“Maybe people count us out because of the huge loss of Meg and the five other senior starters, but we can be a sleeper,” said Blumenthal, who begins her 14th season on the bench. “We have four or five above average hitters who can play solid defense.”

Interboro poses as Chichester’s biggest threat. The Bucs have one of the most complete backstops in Delco in Amber Seaman, who can swing the bat, too. Rachel Reifer is a No. 1 pitcher with a solid resume, a returning senior along with Jess Hinchey, Mel Chubb and Amanda Suydam. Last season, Interboro went 13-8 and earned a berth in the District One Class AAAA playoffs, losing to Downingtown West by one run in the opening round.

At Academy Park, seniors Kayla Payne (shortstop), Jade Armstrong (pitcher) and Dana Goodyear (third base) hope to lead the Knights back to contention following a 4-16 campaign.