Memorable season for Shipley softball team

Bryn Mawr >> One game does not define a season, which certainly was the case for the Shipley softball team following a difficult loss to Friends Select in the Friends’ Schools League championship game May 15.
Starting back in January when the team gathered for off-season workouts, their goal was to reach the FSL title game. Little did the Gators know they would reach that goal in historic fashion, becoming the first team in school history since the 2008 campaign to go undefeated in league play.
Following an undefeated regular season campaign, the Gators defeated Germantown Friends in the semi-finals to advance to their first FSL title game since 2011.
“All season long these girls have stuck together and grown tremendously,” said Shipley head coach Marin Kobb. “We started this journey in January and everyone was fully committed with reaching the FSL title game as our goal.”
Unfortunately, when Shipley went to complete their magical trip they came up just short against Friends Select. The Falcons were able to tame Shipley’s explosive offense while taking advantage of opportunities they had to seal the win.
“We had a bad day, but I am so proud the growth each player made and the way they stuck together supporting each other and wanting it,” added Kobb.
I know this sounds cheesy but as I told teammate Grace (Spino) it’s more about the journey than the destination,” said Shipley junior Lexi Wojtelwicz. “We really grew as a team and we should be proud what we learned and take this moving forward. This was a bad day. It’s okay because bad days happen. We really grew as a team and that’s what matters.”
Shipley senior Grace Spino added, “Honestly, it’s a great feeling. We had a strong team my freshman and sophomore year. Last year was tough but we bounced back this year and I have never felt prouder of 12 girls than this year.”
Looking to improve on last season, the Gators turned to sophomore pitcher Abbie DeSantis, Wojtelwicz and Spino to provide a spark.
Spino provided much need senior leadership for a young squad, hitting .378 with 16 runs scored and 13 RBI. Wojtelwicz also provided veteran leadership with an .857 fielding percentage at shortstop while also providing an offensive spark hitting.405 with 19 runs scored.
DeSantis proved to be a force in the circle, striking out 93 in 64 innings finishing with an ERA of 1.64. Offensively, she hit .500 with a team high 16 RBIs.
Eighth grader Cassandra Farrell also provided a large spark both offensively and defensively. She hit .413 with 15 RBI and 22 runs scored to accompany the 14 putouts she made at third base.
The Gators saw their season come to a close with a tough loss to Springside Chestnut Hill in the first round of the PAISAA tournament.
“Considering this will be my last season, I was hoping to spend more time with this team,” said Kobb. “Unfortunately we only had one more game together but this is an amazing group of girls and I am thankful for this season.”