Sewickley Academy, Quaker Valley softball have different goals

By: Karen Kadilak
Monday, April 2, 2018 | 4:30 PM

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The Sewickley Academy softball team looks forward to a longer playoff run with more pop from its bats.

Nearly everyone returned from a squad that reached the quarterfinals of the WPIAL Class A tournament last season.

“We have been more focused on hitting,” senior shortstop Kaylee Patterson said. “As a result, we are going to put up more runs on the board.”

Patterson, junior first baseman Alyssa Winters, sophomore third baseman Maggie Goebel and junior center fielder Theresa Wilson posted impressive numbers at the plate last season.

Junior second baseman Alina Mattson contributed clutch hits, Panthers coach Win Palmer said.

Sophomore pitcher Alexis Barlock shined in the circle and the batter's box.

The Panthers lost Chandler White, who is playing for Pitt-Bradford, and Kendall Lightcap, a junior who was injured in basketball.

“We'll look to the continued improvement of all of our players, including several freshmen who were new to softball last year and have shown great improvement,” Palmer said.

Palmer said freshman catcher Kamryn Lightcap, Kendall's sister, is showing signs of being a strong contributor.

“Our focus is always on getting better and having fun,” Palmer said. “Practicing and playing games on turf (are) helpful because we can get into a routine.

“Kaylee (Patterson) is serving as a wonderful leader, along with our junior class. As we get to spend more time together, our team always gets better.”

Wilson said the Panthers are working hard in practice and building team chemistry.

The Panthers, the defending Section 1-A champions, kicked off the season Tuesday against Rochester. Results were not available before this edition's deadline.

Their next game is Thursday at Western Beaver. They have made the WPIAL playoffs every season since 2012, losing in the first round or quarterfinals each time.

Quaker Valley is rebuilding under first-year coach Nicole Olson.

Olson said the Quakers are young but versatile.

“Every one of our players is able to move around and adapt to the position,” she said.

Senior Mahle McCracken, junior Isabella McNelis, sophomores Sydney Persuit, Jeana McCracken and Reese Hamm and senior Ari Gnad are returning players.

Mahle McCracken hopes to be a team leader.

“I am trying to help create an environment where everyone is friends,” she said.

Sophomores Liza Murray and Kaleigh Champman and freshmen Joelle Boyer, Raelyn Boyer, Lily Eberlein, Maddie Hess, Bella Stripay, Malika Beveridge-Bignall, Lanie French and Clara Brooks are new to the program.

Olson said pitchers Raelyn Boyer and Eberlein will see a lot of time.

“It is going to be an uphill battle, but we have to start somewhere,” Persuit said. “We are hoping to start a foundation.”

The Quakers were set to open the season Tuesday against Beaver, the first of three Section 3-Class 4-A games they had scheduled this week.

Their last win in any section game came in 2012.

Karen Kadilak is a freelance writer.

Tags: Quaker Valley, Sewickley Academy