Gateway softball sets goal of improvement

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, March 26, 2018 | 12:31 AM

Scott Lewis has taken over as coach of the Gateway softball program.

Lewis served as an assistant for the Gators for seven seasons.

“My coaching philosophy for this year will be that our season is about more than wins and losses,” Lewis said. “It's about learning and improving our skills in every practice and game, learning new skills all the time.

“It will be about teamwork and all the while enjoying the game and having fun.”

Lewis and the Gators are trying to bounce back from a dismal two-win season and are hoping to contend for a WPIAL playoff berth this spring.

“Of course, I would like to make a run for a playoff spot,” Lewis said, “and turn things around from last year. With good attitudes and a strong effort from the girls, I believe that is a possibility.”

Gateway's rookie field boss said the players' attitudes and effort have been exemplary.

“Our preseason workouts have consisted of fine-tuning fundamentals and reducing fielding errors,” Lewis said. “The players have been working hard to improve, and I think it will pay off. It's a young team. We want to become a competitive team. I will be looking for leaders to stand out.”

Lewis and his assistants, Heather Bache and new junior varsity coach Jesse Mallon, welcomed eight returning letterwinners at the start of preseason practice, including senior utility players Dannielle Taylor and Alaysha Williams.

Taylor is a fourth-year starter at Gateway. She began her varsity career as a freshman third baseman then moved to the catcher position as a sophomore and junior.

This season, Taylor could see playing time at first base, third base, in the outfield or behind the plate.

“I have high expectations for this year's team. We want to win more games,” said Taylor, who plans to attend Pitt-Johnstown in the fall. “We have been practicing defensive plays, communication and hitting in our practices. Our defense continues to get stronger at every practice.”

Also expected to make an impact for the Gators this season are senior infielder Sam Hunter; juniors Gionna DeLuca (IF), Jordan Henderson (utility) and Mykaila Jackson (P/IF); plus sophomores Kayla Gratton (P/IF), Sydney Hunter (utility) and Maura Ryan (P/IF).

All are returning letterwinners except Sam Hunter, who missed last season because of an injury.

“I am looking forward to having Sam back on the field,” Lewis said.

Jackson, Gratton and Ryan will share the Gators' pitching duties.

Other players looking to help out this year include juniors Sam Beley (OF), Ashlee Skoog (IF) and Jamaria Stewart (OF) along with sophomores Angela Schroeder (OF) and Kayla Valerino (utility).

Emma Kennedy, a catcher/infielder, is a top freshman prospect.

The Gators are slated to open their Section 1-5A schedule April 29 at Armstrong.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Gateway