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Graduation losses give Franklin Regional softball team new look

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, March 11, 2018 | 7:04 PM

When the Franklin Regional softball team takes the field for its first game this season, very few players will be in the same spot as last spring.

That's because the Panthers graduated five multiyear starters from a team that went 11-3 in the section.

“Everybody pretty much is either going to be a new player or moving to different positions,” said coach Jim Armstrong, who is entering his 16th year.

Notable players lost to graduation were first baseman Brook Zanotto, shortstop Julia Yurinko, center fielder Sam Hlozek, left fielder Mia Miller and catcher Bailey Vincett.

With those positions vacated, the Panthers must move around previous starters. Mallory Hallack, a junior who previously started at second base, will slide over to first. Filling her spot at second base will be senior Jocelyn Behr, who started at third base last year. Meanwhile, senior Chrissy Kemerer will move from right field to center field.

Despite the many moving parts, Armstrong is confident his girls will adjust quickly.

“They're actually probably moving to positions they normally play in travel ball,” he said.

Also, several sophomores who saw varsity time last season will shift into the starting lineup. Kate Alexander will play shortstop full-time. Julia Yurinko's younger sister, Olivia, will be penciled in as the right fielder. The younger Yurinko saw valuable playing time, including in the playoffs, when Miller suffered a leg injury late last season. Catcher Abby Kane likely will play an expanded role, although senior Becky Henninger could challenge for playing time.

Two other sophomores could assume spots in the starting lineup. Mariah Deriggi has the inside track at third base, and Kylee O'Neill will play left field. Additionally, junior Kaitlyn Carr will serve as a top reserve infielder. Freshmen Kamaria Kelly and Sara Cowell could also factor into the lineup.

The one position of consistency is perhaps the most significant, as junior pitcher Angalee Beall returns. Beal split time in her freshman year and became the No. 1 starter last season.

“She does a really good job. She's been working pretty hard in the offseason,” Armstrong said.

Aside from Beall, who also is one of the team's top hitters, Franklin Regional will utilize sophomore Kaitlyn Conard in the circle at times, as well as in the outfield.

Panthers pitchers should get plenty of run support as the team could have a diverse offense. Hallack provides a left-handed power bat, as she led the team in home runs and RBIs last year. The Panthers also could run more this season.

“I think we can already hit the ball pretty well,” Armstrong said. “We're going to try to be a little faster this year. I think we have some people in place now who can move.”

Last year, the Panthers finished second in the section behind only Penn-Trafford (12-2). Plum and Kiski Area won 10 section games each. The top four teams qualify for the playoffs.

Franklin Regional earned a 10-1 playoff win against Ringgold in the 5A first round before falling to Moon on the quarterfinals. The Panthers' only WPIAL softball title came in 2009.

Sean Meyers is a freelance writer.

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