Apollo-Ridge softball ready to take next step

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, March 10, 2018 | 8:03 PM

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Entering the Apollo-Ridge gymnasium during an indoor softball practice, one might confuse it for a 30-year class reunion. That's because Vikings coach John Kinnamon is using the gymnasium as a musical time machine, taking it back to 1988.

Why 1988? Apollo-Ridge last won a section title that year, and Kinnamon put together a playlist of music that only includes songs from 1988.

“They know that George Michael's ‘Faith' was the No. 1 song that year,” said Kinnamon. “It's something different to keep us focused. We might have to party like its 1988 if we win the section.”

Putting big hair, pegged jeans and stonewashed denim aside, there's plenty of reason for optimism. The Vikings return every starter from last year's team that finished second behind Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic in Section 2-2A. Apollo-Ridge's two section losses last season were to the Trojans.

“We didn't lose any seniors last year. In fact, all we did was just add to the team,” Kinnamon said. “They know what their goals are and where their sights are set. If you're not going in with your goal to win the section, you shouldn't be doing it.”

The Vikings are champing at the bit to get the season started, but there was one setback during the offseason. Starting sophomore catcher Sidney Shaffer tore her ACL over the winter and won't play.

“Losing Shaffer is gonna hurt,” Kinnamon said. “She was one of the ones I was going to count on this year.”

Kinnamon mentioned freshman Savanna Cricks as a possible replacement for Shaffer, who was coming off an all-conference season. He said Cricks doesn't have much experience behind the plate, but that was the same situation the Vikings were in last year before Shaffer got the nod.

“(Cricks) is an athletic girl,” Kinnamon said. “It's a crash course from behind the plate.”

Outside of Shaffer, everybody returns. Kinnamon's ace hurler, junior lefty Molly Charlton, returns to the circle. Charlton was responsible for all nine of the Vikings' wins last season. She also led the Vikings in nearly every offensive category, leading the team in batting average (.625), hits (30), RBIs (23) and runs scored (27).

“We hit the ball good last year,” Kinnamon said. “When you look at the roster, we didn't lose anybody, and we shouldn't have moved backwards. We should've moved forward.”

The infield is pretty much set with the exception of first base, where sophomore Josie Clark and freshman Adeline Baustert will compete.

“Right now, it's too close to call, but either way were gonna end up with a heck of a first baseman,” Kinnamon said.

Sophomore Kylee Wynn will stay at second. Kinnamon said Wynn has the best glove in the section. Sophomore Emma Rametta will remain at shortstop, and Destinee Bowen will play third base. Kinnamon said Bowen is in the mix at catcher, as well.

The outfield is where Kinnamon is loaded with speed and upperclassmen. Senior Sierra Barr will start at left field next to senior speedster Teresa DeSimone in center.

“(DeSimone) is just a blast to watch play,” Kinnamon said. “She and Sierra (Barr) are both four-year starters.”

There's a healthy competition between “a couple of players” for the starting spot in right field, and Kinnamon said he's going to let it play out a little while longer before naming a starter.

Stacked full of young talent and coming off its first postseason appearance in nearly 15 years, Kinnamon feels the Apollo-Ridge softball program has arrived. The standard has been set, and the expectations have increased.

“It's been a goal since Day 1 to get an environment of winning here,” Kinnamon said. “You can't sleep on us anymore.”

William Whalen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Apollo-Ridge