After finishing last season with a final record of 17-10, the Lady Pirates look to improve their record with help from some new freshmen on the team. Despite losing the division this year, the softball team is now focusing on rebuilding in order to come back stronger in future seasons.
As a rebuilding season, Head Coach Louis Arnold said this year is different because of the difference in ages and experience levels.
“Last year, we had a lot of varsity experience; this year, we have a bit of a mix. We have some freshmen that are on varsity that are also starting and making a big impact on the team, so it’s definitely more of a mix this year and having the older girls help the younger ones,” Arnold said.
While the team is trying to move on after the graduation of multiple players at the end of last season, the team is also looking ahead to next season, knowing they will face the loss of five additional starting seniors. In order to rebuild, the team is relying on its underclassmen, including two freshmen: Emma Appleby, who plays in right field, and Peyton Farquhar, who plays second base.
Senior captain Maura Del Grippo is appreciative of the girls’ ability to step up for the team.
“I would say our freshmen really stepped up this year. After losing a lot of seniors last season, we had opportunities on the field and in the lineup,” Del Grippo said. “We have a few freshmen that are very talented and motivated for those spots. I have been very impressed with their abilities and confidence on the field as the “underclassmen.”
With a current record of 9-9, the softball team earned one of its biggest wins against rival Delran with a score of 6-3. In the game senior Maura Del Grippo struck out seven batters, junior Hailee Hunter had three hits, and junior Makayla Sheker finished with two RBI’s, continuing her impressive .450 batting average.
Del Grippo said playing the Bears is one of the games she looks forward to every season.
“During the season, I am most excited to play Delran,” Del Grippo said. “They are always one of our top competitors, and this year we stand on a similar playing ground, so it is always fun to have a thrilling game against them. I also feel like we had a very strong game, hitting and pitching-wise.”
Freshman Peyton Farquhar said she notices a big difference between playing on her middle school team to playing on the high school team. She said she has learned to adapt to the more intense gameplay and competition.
“Last year was definitely less competitive and didn’t have much of an impact on the way I play,” Farquhar said. “This year is more fun and enjoyable because there’s a lot more experienced players I get to play with and more competitive games.”
As the season continues, Arnold said he has seen an improvement on the defensive end with well-routined plays and getting the ball in swiftly to achieve a quick out. These contributions have come all around, but have been highlighted by Hailee Hunter as she uses her quick movements to make the play at shortstop, and freshman Emma Appleby with her diving catches in the outfield.
“For sure, there’s definitely been growth, which, as a coach, is what we strive for from everybody,” Arnold said. “From your returning players, from your freshmen, but we definitely have seen some amazing development, which is awesome.”
As the Lady Pirates continue their season, they’re fighting to make it to the playoffs and rebuild with the upcoming freshmen and returning players.
