The Lady Blue Devil softball team is ready to get rolling this season. They look to put some pieces together and take the next step.
Last year, B-A finished 4-15 and struggled offensively with a -109 run differential.
Fortunately, B-A is returning six of their starters from last season. The Lady Devils lost three seniors including captain Lainey Quick and role players Kat Garman and Cami Focht.
Now, without any seniors, the Lady Blue Devils will turn to leadership from the junior class. The pseudo senior junior class is made up of Amyra Snyder, London McKee, and Parker Martin, all of whom have started since their freshman season.
Parker Martin is coming off of a strong sophomore season. Last year, Parker hit at a .404 average which led the team, she also led the team in on base percentage, stolen bases, fielding average, runs, and hits. Parker is looking to have another strong season, stating.
“We’re definitely more of a team this year. We have been working harder than ever in practice. Without having any seniors this year I am going to have to step up. I like leading by example and putting my best foot forward,” Parker said.
London McKee is also looking to build off of a strong sophomore campaign. London was the power hitter for the softball team last season, leading in doubles, triples, extra base hits, RBIs, and slugging percentage. She was also second on the team in hits and runs, being behind only Parker in both.
The team is returning its ace pitcher from last season, sophomore Palynn Gregg. Last season, Gregg pitched 75.1 innings for the team. She registered 89 strikeouts with a 6.88 ERA. Having a sophomore pitcher with this much experience already is going to be huge for the team.
When asked about how she will use her experience from last year to help her grow as a player, Palynn said, “This offseason I have been taking pitching lessons. I have been trying to learn new pitches. That on top of what I did last year will help me grow as a player.”
Heather Quick, the head coach for the softball team said the team is determined to turn things around.
“With a renewed focus, strong leadership and a hunger to improve, this season represents a fresh start and a chance to showcase the team’s growth and resilience,” she said.
The team has a deep roster, consisting of 19 players, which is more than last year. Having 19 players without a single one being a senior shows the youth movement that is going on for the softball team. Next year the team will only get better and bigger as more freshman come up from a junior high program that’s has been nothing short of dominant for two seasons.
This is a big season for the softball team, as not only can they establish a winning culture now, they can plant the seeds for future teams.
The girls start their season at home against Hollidaysburg, on Tuesday, March 18 at 4:30 p.m.
