Penn-Trafford softball has plenty to replace
By:
Monday, March 19, 2018 | 9:50 PM
Some might see the Penn-Trafford softball team as going through a transition year.
The Warriors lost a talented senior class: Of the eight players, six have gone on to play in college. In their place will be several new faces.
But for Penn-Trafford, this season will be business as usual.
“You come into every season with certain goals in mind,” coach Denny Little said. “We want to win the section first, make the playoffs and then states.”
The Warriors once again have several arms they can put in the pitching circle. Sophomore right-hander Morgan Hilty pitched the majority of innings last season and picked up a 12-3 record. But senior Marissa Auel and sophomore Samantha Schickel saw time at the position.
“I like the different looks,” Little said. “(Schickel) is a leftie who can throw off-speed. Marissa has some nice off-speed stuff.”
The outfield will be strength for the Warriors this season with a trio of returning seniors. Penn recruit Emma Nedley will lead the way with Becky Mertz, who started the final 15 games of last season, and Samantha Smith, who is returning from an injury.
Despite having success during the regular season over the last three years — Penn-Trafford has captured a section title and averaged more than 14 wins — the team had been unable move past the WPIAL quarterfinals.
But the seniors are focused on changing that.
“This senior class has never got by the second round of the playoffs,” Nedley said. “We have set a goal of having a long playoff run and getting to the WPIAL finals before we leave.”
Nathan Smith is a freelance writer.
Tags: Penn-Trafford
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