Softball Preview: Big Things Expected

After losing just one player to graduation, the West Deptford High School softball team looks poised to make a run at a Colonial Conference crown, as well as a deep Group 2 playoff run. The Eagles return a strong pitcher and a fundamentally sound defense.

However, if the team is to improve on last year’s 15-7 campaign, it's the offense that will need to get in gear.

“Our pitching is solid and defense is solid. If we can start to hit, which is coming around, we should be a pretty good team,” said head coach Amanda Schramm, in her fourth season.

Schramm said she keyed on hitting during the preseason.

“I focus a lot on the hitting and trying to make that part of their game stronger,” Schramm said. “We have an experienced defense, with mostly seniors and some juniors and sophomores sprinkled in. I always work on defense, but hitting and consistent contact is something we constantly work on.”

The offense should be paced by four-year starters Jamie Robinson and Sam Leafy, as well as well as three-year starter Jade Blair. Senior Kelly Brewster and Danielle McKeown also figure to be key cogs.

On the mound will be sophomore Marisa Linquist, who returns after a solid freshman season. Linquist isn’t an overpowering pitcher, but has good movement and excellent control.

“She’s a consistent strike thrower who doesn’t walk a lot of batters and does not get a lot of strikeouts,“ Schramm said. “It's good for the defense because they never fall back on their heels. She makes hitters ground out and pop up. When she is on, she has good movement.”

With so much experience coming back, the Eagles enter the season with very few question marks. If Linquist has the type of season Schramm believes she can and the offense comes through on a consistent basis, the Eagles look primed for a big season.

A look at the 2011 softball team

Coach: Amanda Schramm

Last season: 15-7, lost in Group 2 Semifinals

Returning letter winners: Jamie Robinson, (sr.) 3B; Sam Leafy (sr.) OF; Jade Blair, (sr.) OF; Kelly Brewster (sr.) 1B; Stephanie Ponto (sr.) Utility; Danielle McEwen (jr.) 2B; Felicia Iraldi (jr.) OF; Marisa Linquist (so.) P; Sydney Ponto (so.) SS/P; Kat Ziegler (so.) C; Megan Sullivan (so.) OF; Summer Wengel (so.) OF; Morgan Brown, (so.) OF.

Promising newcomers: Katie Boyd (jr.) P; Brooke Kidd (jr.) utility.

Team to beat: Audubon/Sterling

Three storylines to follow

–A Sterling rivalry. The Knights proved to be a thorn in the Eagles’ side last regular season, beating them twice. However, West Deptford got the last laugh, defeating Sterling in the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 2 quarterfinals. The two teams figure to be in the hunt for a Colonial Conference National Division title again this year, and how they fare against each other could go a long way in determining a champion.

–Ziegler behind and at the plate. Last season Kat Ziegler took on a big roll. As a freshman she was put behind the plate as a catcher. Ziegler not only thrived defensively, but showed a big stick at the plate, leading the team in doubles. With a full year of experience under her belt, Ziegler should be even more at ease and will again be counted on for offensive production.

–Depth at pitching. Though softball teams are able to use one pitcher all season, it never hurts to have a little depth. West Deptford has two capable backups in junior Katie Boyd and sophomore Sydney Ponto. With the Eagles having a busy schedule in the first month, Schramm said she envisions resting Linquist on occasion, and giving Boyd or Ponto a shot.