After year away, Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery Media softball teams ready for return

A handful of practices, a couple scrimmages and a lot of what ifs were all Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery Media softball teams got in the spring of 2020.

While COVID-19 cost the entire state a spring’s worth of competition last year, local teams are preparing to get this season underway starting Friday. Understandably, area squads aren’t quite sure what to expect with rosters that look quite different than the last time they played in 2019 but all are eager just to get back on the field.

North Penn has eyes on big things this spring with all-state pitcher Mady Volpe back for her senior season. The Coastal Carolina recruit heads a deep Knights lineup that has won back-to-back SOL Continental Conference titles and played in the 2019 District 1 6A title game.

The rest of the SOL Colonial figures to be tough as usual, with Souderton returning a solid core, CB South always a difficult out and programs in CB East, CB West and Pennridge that always have quality players.

As in other sports in the SOL, some teams are in new homes with Lower Moreland and New Hope-Solebury joining the league to form four conferences. William Tennent, which lost three seniors to college but believes it has a strong core, joins Cheltenham, Lower Moreland, New Hope-Solebury, Upper Moreland and Springfield Twp in the Freedom conference.

Quakertown, usually a top team in the district, comes to the Liberty and will contend with Upper Dublin, Abington, Wissahickon, Hatboro-Horsham and Plymouth Whitemarsh. All of those teams will be looking to some younger players getting their first crack at varsity as they get back to the routine of playing games and practicing.

Archbishop Wood and Lansdale Catholic will be on the younger side, but both teams have been contenders in the PCL in recent years. Both have scheduled some challenging opponents out of the league and hope to round into form by the postseason.

Earlier this week, the PIAA announced it hopes to run a normal postseason for all spring sports instead of the small, district-champion only brackets it used for fall and winter sports.

ABINGTON
Coach: Bob Baginski
Players to Watch: Seniors: Julia Brustle INF, Madison Cornell INF, Jenna Doyle INF/OF, Mackenzie Marcotte C/INF, Bella Oquendo INF, Annie Sokolski OF/C, Jess Sokolski P/OF Meghan Strange OF. Juniors: Anessa Rohrer INF/OF. Mia Scheuer INF, Sydney Stiener C, Sophomores: Lauren Everitt C/INF, Shauna Rakus INF, Leanna Schenk OF/P, Ellie Pierce OF
Players Lost: Julia Burkhardt C (Alvernia Univ.), Sophia Dupoldt OF, Kierstan Gant 3B (Keystone College), Sam Marasheski OF (Rowan Univ.), Alexandra Metz 2B
Outlook: “With the season being cancelled last year due to Covid, we are excited as are the athletes to start the season for the Varisity and JV teams at Abington. Our coaching staff has been working to build our program with skill level advancement and situational awareness for game play. Our players have shown tremendous dedication to the sport along with great energy, effort, prepartion and respect. We expect a solid season of progress and development for Abington in 2021.”

ARCHBISHOP WOOD
Coach: Jackie Ecker
Returning Players: Abby Windish Jr 1B, Gianna Anzideo Jr P, Kiersten Reeser  Jr OF
Players to Watch: Dakota Fanelli  So  P/3b, Paige Ross So C, Maggie Devlin So SS, Riley Nolan So OF , Parker Kraus  Fr P/OF/1b, Maura Yoos  Fr  2b, Julia Yogis Fr 3b/C
Outlook: “We are a young team with a ton of talent. Our goal this year is to grow as a team and to win the PCL.  We play some very strong non-conference teams that will put us to the test.  The competitiveness and drive these girls have will take us far this season.”

DOCK MENNONITE ACADEMY
Coach: Wayne Benner
Players to Watch: Sr Jocelyn Pfleiger 1B, Sr Kaci Alderfer C
Players Lost:  CF Serena Tan
Outlook: “With only two seniors and three juniors, we are looking for our younger players to step up and into varsity starting roles.”

GERMANTOWN ACADEMY
Coach: Sarah Zimmerman
Returning Players: Senior captains Colleen Gibbons and Charlotte DiLello in the outfield, Junior pitcher Ang Sannicandro
Other Players to Watch: Sophomore pitcher Clarissa Smith, catcher Emily Spillane, sophomore outfielder Malia Walton
Players Lost: Sarah DiLello (shortstop)
Outlook: “This softball program has grown a lot in the past few years. We have solid pitching and catching this season, along with strong experience and team leadership in the outfield. In the infield, we have some players shifting positions, and are really working on building each athlete’s mental approach and knowledge of the game. We plan to win games by thinking small – good throws and catches, solid execution at the plate, and smart base running. By doing those the little things well, we’re hoping to set ourselves up for the first of many strong seasons to come.”

GWYNEDD MERCY ACADEMY
Coach: Charlie Ball
Returning Players: Maddie Seidel Jr P, Lauren Solensky  Sr 3B, Jordan White Sr 1B, Carly Andrews Sr RF
Players Lost: Haley Weiss, Jess DiBricida, Liz Held, Lily Panunto, Meaghan McGoldrick
Outlook: “With the returning players and the incoming freshman we believe that we can be in contention for the league title, the District championship and maybe get into states. This could be hard to do with a lot of young players.  We believe that the talent is there but we may have a lot of young players in some key positions. With the bigger bench and a lot of changes that can be done during the season to try and keep players fresh we believe it could happen.”

HATBORO-HORSHAM
Coach: Kelly Krier
Returning Players: Jr Kendal Lietner P/INF, Jr Megan Mills P/OF, Jr Marissa Rapino INF, Sr Kayla Tauber INF
Other Players to Watch: So Tess Kearney OF, So Amya Lundy INF, Fr Alyssa Tooley INF, So Abby Waeltz C
Outlook: “Our goal this season is to compete in our divison and have success with a tough out of division schedule. It will be important for our younger players to learn from our upper classmen and step up when we need them in big games. We know our pitchers will keep us in games, so our bats will need come alive and score runs when we had runners in position. Most importantly, we want this season to bring back some normalcy to our players, coaches and families.”

LANSDALE CATHOLIC
Coach: Paul Suder
Players Lost: Mary Picozzi, Megan Burns, Casey Meenan, Claire Clauss
Returning Players: Kaitlyn Leshak, Julia Marozzi
Outlook: The Crusaders will have a new look, most notably in the pitcher’s circle where Megan Burns and Mary Picozzi threw every inning as sophomores and juniors. Kaitlyn Leshak, a two-year starter and 2019 All-PCL selection, headlines the returning players for veteran coach Paul Suder. LC will look to contend in the Catholic League while putting new pieces in place during the season.

METHACTON
Coach: Cathy Miller
Returners: Seniors – Haley Chapman OF, Caraline Newman 3B, Olivia Terry C, Paige Deal P/1st, Casey Biglin P/OF, Serena Goodridge 1st, Lisetta Coppa OF Juniors: Tori Bockrath SS, Nicole Timko OF
Other Players to Watch: Juniors – Kendall Besly SS, Katie Hull OF, Kayla Kaufman OF, Caitlin Woolbert C, Soph. – Riley Kairer 2B/3B, Avery Schwartz SS/2B
Outlook: We have a nice mix of juniors and seniors who have varsity playing experience. The two sophomores are talented players who versatile skills that are a welcome addition. They are looking forward to competing in the PAC 10 this year and hopefully qualifying for districts.

NORTH PENN
Coach: Rick Torresani
Returning Players: Sr Mady Volpe P, Sr Carley DiGiuseppe OF, Sr Rachel Lowry 2B, Jr Sophia Collins SS, Jr Kellie O’Brien OF, Jr Mikcki Secoda OF, Jr Lizzy Stark INF, So Julia Shearer OF/P, So Sarah Sabocsik C, So Annabelle Smink 3B
Other Players to Watch: So Reyna Doherty OF, So Lacy Drosbaugh OF/P, So Brianna Wilmont 1B, Fr Gianna Cimino INF/OF
Outlook: “The returning players from 2019/20 have won 44 games against nine losses, two straight conference championships, played in a district final and have reached the state quarterfinals two straight years. For the first time I can honestly say that we have nine starters with players just as good behind them who at any time could compete for a starting spot throughout the season.”

PENNRIDGE
Coach: Wendy Iadonisi
Returning Players: Seniors Madi Silber, Mac Owens, Cassandra Schillo, Chloe Coughenour and Memory Harrington.  Juniors Catelyn Thrush, Danae Luecke, and Anna Hensler.
Others Players to Watch: Sophomores Grace Helbling, Reagan Bauman, Olivia Crognale, Sophia Vargo and Anja Puketza.
Outlook: “Madi Silber brings a lot of experience behind the plate and will be a great mentor for Grace. I’m excited to see them perform this season. Our infield will be led by junior Catelyn Thrush and our outfield will be supported with the experience of senior Mac Owens and sophomore Reagan Bauman.
With missing out on last season I think the girls are soaking up every minute of the 2021 season and are very eager to get started.”

PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH
Coach: Mike Perez
Players Lost: Kammy Kropinski (Bloomsburg), Kaitlyn Wakefield, Skyla Ruck
Returning Players: Emily Caffrey, Sr, OF/1B, Regan Gehman, Sr, OF, Carly Rosenberger, Sr, 2B/SS, Lauryn Kane, Jr, P/3B, Hanna Suh, Jr, 1B/OF, Talia Carr, Jr, OF/SS/P, Marissa Dudek, Jr, OF, Molly Lynch, Jr, OF/2B, Molly Moore, So, P/3B, Charley Tassoni, So, C
Other Players to Watch: Lila Fitzgerald, Fr, C, Haylie Lindley, Fr, P/OF, Marissa Perez, Fr, SS/2B, Julie Price, Fr, P
Outlook: “With a new coaching staff and many new players entering their first full season of play, PW’s goal is to compete for the division title while laying the foundation for a softball program that expects to compete for playoff positions for many years to come.”

SPRINGFIELD-MONTCO
Coach: Jeannine DePaul
Players Lost: Sydney Zimmerman, Jessica Kaercher, Elyssa Luce
Returning Players: Sr Chloe Morales 3B, Sr Mikayla Quinn CF, Sr Alli Hastings P/OF, Sr Lexi Gaul C, Sr Kate Wojeck OF, Jr Anna Posluszny 2B
Other Players to Watch: So Lauren Hussie P, So Taylor Schultz C
Outlook: “We are poised for a strong season with a core of players who have been playing together for years. They have great respect and friendship for one another, which translates to great chemistry on the field. They are fiercely competitive and want to win, so very little motivation is needed from the coaching staff to get them to play all out.”

SAINT BASIL ACADEMY
Coach: Steve Sonneborn
Returning Players: Jadlyn Domico sr. (OF), Regan Bentley sr. (1b) , Zoey Wilkins sr. (P/2b), Allison McCann sr. (C/OF).
Others to Watch: Brynn Cooney sr. (C), Bria Mahoney Soph (ss), Clare O’Donnell soph (P/2b), Jade Wilkins fr. (P/IF), Kate Sonnie fr. (3b/ss)
Players Lost: Kelly Grant (OF), Maria Storck (C), Kendall Szor (OF), Jules Constanzo (3b), Faith Quaintence (P), Ally Bryne (C).
Outlook/Goals: “We are looking forward to competing in a tough AACA league. Pitching should be a plus but scoring runs could be a challenge. Our goals are to have each student/athlete improve by years’ end and to send the team out on a positive note for its final season.”

SOUDERTON
Coach: Carol Atkinson
Players Lost: Jess Lepore, Sam Nuneviller, Madison Stewart, Erica Stover, Naila Neely
Returning Players: P Abby Burns, Ryan Zimmerman 3B, Riley York OF
Other Players to Watch: Kayley York, McKenna Schroding, Lily Ponce, Olivia Plinke
Outlook: Souderton returns a solid nucleus headlined by a standout pitcher in Burns and two strong hitters in Zimmerman and York. The Indians have been hard at work all year and will look to be a factor in the usually strong SOL Colonial conference.

UPPER DUBLIN
Coach: Heather Boyer
Players Lost: Taylor Avery – Outfield, Korynn Bischoff – Outfield, Julia Wolf – Pitcher/DP
Returning Players: Gretchen Wolpert – 12th grade, 1st Base, Captain, Lauren Carboni – 12th grade, Catcher, Captain, Dani Lucidi – 12th grade, Infield (3B), Ally McDaid – 12th grade, Outfield (LF/CF)/SS, Chloe Foster – 11th grade, Pitcher, Brianna Kesslick – 11th grade, Outfield (RF)
Other Players to Watch: Avery Lennon – 11th grade, Outfield (CF), Anna Levin – 10th grade, 2B, Kaelin Penna – 10th grade, SS
Outlook: “Upper Dublin softball came off of a very successful 2019 season, returning to the District I playoffs for the first time in a number of years.  We were excited to make a powerful statement in 2020, but unfortunately that season wasn’t to be.  Now, the girls are back with the goal of not only being competitive in every SOL matchup, but also to return to the playoffs and achieve more than a first round win.  There is a lot veteran experience on the field since many of these players have committed to playing the sport of softball year-round, and their work ethic has been readily evident early in the preseason.”

UPPER MERION
Coach: Missy Toto
Returning Players: Valentina Marino 12,C; Vanessa Hutchinson 11,OF
Other Players to Watch: Alex Miller 12, IF; Reese Doan 10, P; Michele Maas 10, OF, Maren DeStefano 10, IF; Kasha Canale 11, IF; Cady Legerton 11, IF/OF; Ivy Golson 12, IF/OF, Sarah Kelly 11, IF; Ava DiDonato 9, P/IF/OF; Emma Ricci 9, IF; Rebecca Shuler 9, IF/OF; Jianna Kielkopf 10, IF/OF
Players Lost: Olivia Barr; Samme Deskiewicz; Brianna Misseri; Moira Ryan
Outlook: “With two returning starters, Valentina Marino and Vanessa Hutchinson, things will look a little different this season for the Vikings. A committee of younger pitchers look to fill the shoes of Olivia Barr on the mound. Senior Alex Miller returns to the team after a few seasons with the track team and group of talented younger players round out the roster. We are off to a promising start and hope to build on this momentum moving forward.”

WILLIAM TENNENT
Coach: Rich Clark
Players Lost: Brianna Koonce, Caitlin Mitros, Hannah Reimel
Returning Players: Sr Mackenzie Clee P/CF, Sr Meghan Curtis P/INF, Sr Sarah Cummins C
Other Players to Watch: Fr Katie Laplaunt P, So Olivia Clee INF, So Gigi Demito INF/C
Outlook: “This is a young team with plenty of up-and-coming talent. They will benefit tremendously from our three returning seniors who will undoubtedly be excellent role models for them and show them how to be good stewards of the game. They need to believe in themselves and know they can win. We talk about being aggressive and making things happen, getting ahead and staying ahead.”

WISSAHICKON
Coach: Mike Borkowski
Players Lost: Rory Goodrich (C), Ashly Radell (1B), Chloe Nunan (P,2b), Josie Johnston (CF), Rebecca Silverian (3b)
Returning Players: Sr Emma Clayborne P/1B/3B, Jr Danielle Ciliberto P/SS/OF
Other Players to Watch: Charlotte Horvat(SS), Grace Franczyk (C), Katelyn Fitzgerald, Luca Penna (OF)
Outlook: “We are scrambling a bit numbers wise. 2 players that we expected back are not playing as well as others that chose not to play this year. We have 9 starters who are good players that will be getting better as the season goes along. We lost 5 Senior starters from last year that basically played for us since they were Freshman so we’ll need a little adjustment time. The new players have all played travel ball at various levels so they’re used to good competition. As long as no one gets hurt we think we can be a potential playoff team. I really like the character of this team. They are a great group of kids. They make it very easy to come to practice every day.”