NORWICH – Norwich softball, under the head coaching of Scott Moore, looks to correct last years shortcomings as the team returns many standouts.
The 2015 season saw the Norwich post a 4-14 record, however, the team and coaching staff seems to be fed up with the losing records in past years and hopes to make a push for an appearance in sectional play.
“This year we are looking for sectional play where we have come up short in qualifying for the last couple of years,” said Moore. “This is our main team goal after missing out the past couple of years.”
Although practice is already in full swing, the girls will first step on the field for their first test of the season when they face off against Susquehanna Valley at home on April 1.
“This will be a good test for us as we are facing returning all-state pitcher Sophie Pappas,” explained Moore.
However, despite Norwich facing off against an all-state pitcher in Pappas right out of the gates on April 1, they will be returning stars of their own who hope to help lead this Norwich team.
Senior Shannon Moore will be playing third base for the Tornado, while senior Kassidy Seary will be holding down the first base position, both Moore and Seary are returning all-state players from last season.
In 2015, senior Jordan Sanford, who plays catcher, and senior pitcher Hannah Eddy were named all division all-stars.
It should be noted that Moore, Seary, Sanford, and Eddy will be continuing their softball careers at the collegiate level coming this fall.
Also returning for the Norwich team is senior Bridget Murphy and junior Gabby Mirabito, both will now be returning to outfield after playing both infield and outfield in 2015.
Kate Dowdall, a junior, will return to play shortstop after “an exceptional season last year at that position,” said Moore.
“The outfield will be filled out with returning junior Allison Yacano and up and comers from junior varsity are sophomores Alex Colley and Airelle Jacquette. Alex and Airelle will also see some time at pitcher and catcher,” explained Moore.
New to the team and moving up from the JV squad is freshman Morgan Conklin who will complete the infield starters.
“After a long hiatus from the game of softball senior Shelby Benjamin will help in the outfield after showing a prosperous glove this spring and some additional needed speed,” said an excited Moore.
“I have eight returners and three remarkable players up from last year’s JV squad. They are all very athletic and this is probably the most athletic team that I have had in the five years that I have been varsity coach,” said Moore. “All of the girls are practicing hard and fine tuning their skills to be ready for our season opener. One change on this year’s team compared to past teams is our speed which will give me more options to play games with. We play in one of the toughest leagues in the state and I am excited to see how we compete against the top teams in our league.”