Shady Side Academy softball returns 8 starters

By: Marty Stewart
Saturday, March 23, 2019 | 9:14 AM

The Shady Side Academy softball team finished 2018 with a 7-3 record and took second in the section. It also qualified for the WPIAL playoffs, where it lost in the first round. Coach Dave Havern has high hopes of getting back to the playoffs.

“We didn’t lose a player to graduation last year, and our roster has grown to 24 players from only nine two years ago,” Havern said. “We’ve got two real special returning captains in Kate Hart and Trinity Murphy. They have been captains since their sophomore seasons. I think it’s unprecedented at SSA.”

SSA has eight returning starters and a few players who saw significant playing time last season.

Havern is confident in the team’s hitting prowess but has pitching concerns.

“As a team, we hit the heck out of the ball last season, but lack of depth at the pitching spot was a big issue for us all season,” he said. “Then Kate was injured, and it all seemed to go off the tracks. The girls who had to take the mound with very little experience gave us all they had, but that inexperience couldn’t be overcome by effort.

“This year, our pitching is a whole bunch more promising. Trinity, along with junior Molly Skvorak and freshmen Sophia White and Marnie McCormick, have been working real hard in the offseason. … Molly will be our No. 1 pitcher. It’s obvious to us that Molly has shown a whole lot of determination and worked real hard.

Havern also is getting help from a unique source.

“Last season, a few girls prep hockey players chose to play softball, and a few more joined us this year.”

Senior Amanda Bunje, junior Scout Sprong and freshman Jaidan Fahrny are joining the team.

“They’re all coming off of a league hockey championship,” Havern said. “They are a really great addition to our roster, and their athleticism and competitiveness meshes well with their teammates. Our staff is encouraged by what we have seen so far.”

The Indians will compete in WPIAL Section 2 2A along with Apollo-Ridge, Northgate, Riverview, Serra, Sto-Rox and Vincentian.

Tags: Shady Side Academy