This year, the Springside Chestnut Hill Academy softball team is gearing up for another successful season under the leadership of Coach Stephanie Mill. After winning the PAISAA tournament last year and finishing closely behind Episcopal, the team has set their sights on claiming both the Inter-Ac title and the PAISAA championship once again. With just one player graduating from last year's team, Coach Mill is confident in the returning players as well as the new additions to the roster.
One of the top returning players from last season is senior shortstop, Morgan Risynchok. She led the team with a .483 batting average and 28 hits, making her a valuable asset to the team. Another key player to watch out for is sophomore pitcher Sami Snyder, who dominated on the mound last season with 143 strikeouts in 100 innings and only 19 walks. Snyder also showed her versatility by leading the team in both home runs and RBIs.
Junior Sadie Friedman is another returning player to keep an eye on, with her solid defense at second base and a batting average of .387. Lastly, junior Sarah Scally proves her dedication to the team as a catcher, consistently putting her body on the line and leading the team in hitting with a .387 average.
As for new players, Coach Mill has high expectations for freshman Finley Paul, who has shown impressive speed and decision-making skills on the field. She has also proven to be a valuable asset in the outfield, able to track down balls in the gap. Sophomore outfielder Ella Thomson has also caught the coach's eye with her consistency at the plate and high softball IQ, despite not playing for a year. Senior Layla Shands is also expected to make a strong impact as she returns to the field after two consecutive ACL tears in her knees.
When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Mill looks for players who possess leadership qualities, are dedicated to the team, and have a strong work ethic. This year, seniors Layla Shands and Morgan Risnychok, as well as juniors Sadie Friedman and Sarah Scally, have been selected as captains. These players have proven their commitment to the team and will play a vital role in building team chemistry and camaraderie.
In order to maintain a winning mindset and push the team to their full potential, Coach Mill emphasizes the importance of never underestimating any opponent. She reminds her team that on any given day, anyone can beat anyone. The team is also preparing for tough matchups against rivals like Episcopal, who have a strong senior pitcher, and Penn Charter, who they faced in the PAISAA championship last year.
To further build team chemistry and camaraderie, the team will be taking a Spring Break trip to Tennessee, where they will play seven games and have plenty of opportunities to showcase their talents. This trip will not only help the team bond but also allow them to gain valuable experience on the field.
As for any changes or improvements to the team's training and conditioning program, Coach Mill credits the team's strong mentality for their success in the last two games of the previous season. Despite being behind, the team never gave up and came back to win both games. This mentality will continue to be emphasized this season, along with a focus on consistent training and conditioning to ensure the team is physically and mentally prepared for every game.
In conclusion, the Springside Chestnut Hill Academy softball team is ready to take on the competition this season with a strong roster of returning and new players. With a dedicated coaching staff, a strong team mentality, and a focus on building team chemistry, the team is well-equipped to achieve their goal of winning both the Inter-Ac title and the PAISAA championship. Fans can expect an exciting and competitive season from this talented group of athletes.
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