Intensity will be key to success for Haverford High softball

Havertown >> The score between the Haverford High School and Lower Merion softball squads was tied 1-1 after 3 1/2 innings March 30 when Ford head coach Jill Marshall called her team into a huddle.
Stressing the importance of maintaining their intensity level, the Fords dugout was enthusiastic as the bats came alive in an eventual 11-1 win over a much improved Lower Merion team in a game that was called after five innings due to the 10-run rule.
“We told this team the best part of Mrs. Marshall is her intensity,” said Bill Whitney, who is serving as acting coach as of April 1 while Marshall is out on maternity leave for the rest of the season. “We are asking the team to step up in her absence and play for her.”
Following the brief team meeting, Lindsay Moran stepped to the plate to the sounds of encouragement coming from the dugout. With teammates cheering loudly, Moran got the inning started that would not end until 12 Haverford batters would come to the plate that would lead to eight runs on nine hits.
Leading the offensive charge in the fourth inning was Moran who had two hits and 2 RBI’s; and Sheila O’Donnell, who was appearing in her first varsity game had a two-run triple. Amira Gallagher, Heather Lazer and Amber Moscoe punctuated the inning with one RBI each.
“I told the team that you need to make whatever adjustment you need,” said Lazer, who went 3-3 with two runs scored and one RBI. “Whether you need to step up, step back, do what you need to and then hit it and drive it.”
Sophomore centerfielder Ali Murphy added, “It was a good feeling. We got off to a slow start but we rallied and came together. We are like a family and the seniors are a big reason for that.”
For a team with hopes of competing for a Central League title, making adjustments will be a strong key. To accompany the adjustments made at the plate, the Fords defense and pitching was solid allowing Haverford to stay in the game until the bats got going.
Madison Lane and Morgan Marhesani proved to be a defensive key at shortstop combining for five assists in five innings while Brenna McCandless did her job in the circle keeping the Aces at bay.
With an important week on the horizon, the ability for Haverford to make the necessary adjustments will prove valuable.