The Solanco softball team is taking a slightly different approach this season. Typically, coach Brett Miller is able to lock into a set lineup with outstanding results. This season, in part because of some injuries but mostly due to a versatile group of players, the Mules should be more flexible. Solanco lost five starters and a total of nine seniors from last year's section runnerup squad that went 16-6 and placed fourth in the district tournament. The Mules suffered an extra inning loss to eventual state runner-up Lower Dauphin in the district semifinals and were eliminated from the postseason by Manheim Township in district third place game.
Junior pitchers Kalyn Burger and Cait Armstrong are vying to replace last year's workhorse Kortnee Kreider. Burger did not pitch last year because of injury but saw some varsity action in the circle as a freshman. Miller said she has looked promising in the preseason. Cait Armstrong, who pitched some on the varsity last season, is looking to rebound from off-season surgery. Both pitchers have strong bats and can play in the field, which greatly adds to the Mules' maneuverability. Senior second baseman Madi Sheaffer, a three-year starter at second base, can also pitch. "Madi has the ability to give us some innings," Miller said. Miller has confidence in all three of his hurlers. "They all have the potential," he said. "They need to have pitch command and focus on making the right pitch at the right time." Becca Borcky is up from JV to take over the catching duties. "She's showing all the signs of being a successful catcher," said Miller. "All the skills are there to perform in her role." Sydney Sturgill returns at first base and could get a chance to bat this season. "Sydney is a little more relaxed and we're looking for her to play with more confidence this year," said Miller. If Sheaffer is pitching, sophomore Leila Redmond will play second base. Redmond is capable of playing second, shortstop, or third as well as the outfield. There are no variables at shortstop where Maribeth Ault will be starting for the fourth season. A league All-Star, Ault is coming off a season where she knocked in 21 runs and had a batting average of .493, one of the best in school history. "Maribeth swings the bat with authority and makes the plays," said Miller. "We need her to perform like she did last year." Burger, Armstrong, and Redmond are part of the equation at third base. "They definitely all have the ability to play the position," said Miller. Sophomore Abby Heidelbaugh moves from left field to center. She batted .286 as a freshman and excelled in the postseason. "Abby has the intensity and skillset for the varsity level," Miller said. "She gives 100 percent." Senior Makayla Pluck is expected to see action in right field and could also pitch if called upon. Haley Pittman could contribute in left field. "Haley has the ability to make the plays and is fundamentally-sound," Miller said. "We need to accelerate her [adjustment to the varsity level]." When healthy, junior Kalya Schneider will help out in the outfield or as a baserunner. Two sophomores – Aubree Doss and Brianna Firlein – have shown promise in practice and could earn time on the varsity. Miller said the added flexibility "is something new to us". "We will utilize the players as the situation dictates," he said. "We have the personnel to do that." As in every season, Solanco expects to challenge for the Section two title with Elizabethtown the main rival which is usually the case. Miller said a key factor will be his team's ability to quickly adjust to the speed of the varsity game. "Right now, they're showing signs of doing that," he said. Comments are closed.
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