Central Mountain Softball – Another High Upside
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP — The Central Mountain softball team has been nothing if not successful in recent years and the spring of 2016 should be no exception.
Yes the Lady Wildcats took some serious hits from last year’s solid edition (among them Jess Strouse, Bree Hilty and Mariah Major) but a ton of talent returns, including five different pitchers who claimed victories a year ago.
Returning talent includes 10 letter-winners, everything from seniors to sophomores: Emily Strouse, Sarah Reeder, Madison Brown, Kimmie Coder, Loren Marasco, Alexis Johnson, Ashley Glossner, Averie Pringle, Josie Dershem and Caitlyn Brush.
As for those returning pitchers, Brown and Dershem were each 5-1 in the circle. Coach Dave Peters said Emily Strouse has won big playoff games and could start or become the closer. Brush was 2-0 as a freshman last year, and Peters said she has impressed coaches with her improvement in the off-season.
This year’s ‘Cats will still have plenty of offense. Seniors Reeder (.309, 13 R, 17 H, 17 RBI, 3 HR), Brown (.364, 14 R, 14 RBI, 17 BB), and Coder (.294, 15 H, 18 RBI) will be counted on to step-up and produce even more, coach Peters said, while sophomore Dershem (.478, 31 R, 32 H, 19 SB) will look to follow up her all-state honorable mention selection from a year ago with another strong offensive season. As seen in a recent scrimmage, where they stole four bases, he noted, this year’s squad has an element of speed. It should allow CM to apply a lot of pressure on defenses.
In addition to the returning letter-winners, also on the 13-member varsity this season are Autumn Young, Skylar Smith and Maegan Miller, the coach noting that all have impressed in the preseason.
Can all this talent cause a playing-time problem? Coach Peters said the issue is being addressed: “With so many letter winners returning, competition for playing time will be stiff. A variety of lineups could be used in the early part of the season, as coaches look for players to separate themselves and solidify their roles. Keys to success will rely on developing chemistry, accepting roles, and putting personal egos to the side.” He said the coaching staff has been extremely pleased with the attitude and effort of the group early in the season and another strong season for the softball program is expected.
Coach’s comments:
On goals and expectations: “Last year we were co-champs of PHAC – Div 1., and we’ll look to compete for another league title. At 16-5 a year ago, we were disappointed with our early exit from the D6-9 playoffs (a home field semifinal loss to DuBois). Our goal is to return to the top of D6-9 playoffs, and compete for another district title. Some of the current roster were a part of our 2014 state playoff run, and we want the current roster to get to experience that opportunity.”
On competition: “Mifflin County won its division of the Mid-Penn and won the D6-9 title, they return their ace, Hannah Ruby. As for the rest of D6, State College lost their pitchers, so I don’t know much about what they have left. Altoona hasn’t been strong. Dubois (D9) graduated the McKee twins (both to St. Francis) and a few other girls, so I don’t know what all they bring back. MC should be the biggest competition. In the Heartland, it should be the three teams that were co-champs again: us, Jersey Shore and Mifflinburg. Jersey Shore lost their pitching, so I don’t know how good they’ll be.”
The Lady Wildcats are off to a 3-0 start and scheduled to host Mifflinburg this Tuesday, then a trip to Shamokin on Thursday and a visit to Altoona on Friday of this week.
