JOHNSTOWN – Spring is just now starting to arrive, and the Lady Raiders softball team is ready to go outside just as soon as the field is ready. Spring may be in its earliest stages, but the team's development is well along.
Head Coach Meghan Power has been leading practice in the Raiders Den for the 15-member squad, and the team is showing a lot of positives. The 2014 team played good softball and won five of their 16 games. Although nine of the current Lady Raiders are freshmen, the 2015 team has more softball experience than the previous team and is showing good softball savvy.
Photo: Freshman Ashley Przybylowicz fires to first base
Returning veterans include pitchers Alyssa Palmateer and Taylor Bubniak, infielders Cori Manson and Courtney Putnam, first baseman Rebekah Reichard, and shortstop Stephanie Rice. Rice was a standout shortstop last season. Her 2015 campaign may be delayed as she recovers from a wrist injury.
Rice is well known to Raider fans for her skill on the basketball court. She was named to the Mountain Valley Conference basketball All-Conference First Team. Rice is joined on the softball team by fellow hoopsters Abby Boyer and Rebecca Shepard.
Photo: Freshman Amanda Bieniek makes the throw from third to first
Head Coach Power and Assistant Coach Kevin Kucel have been working with the squad on general skills and team tactics. Power spoke enthusiastically about the team, "We are looking forward to the season and continuing to get better every day, but can't wait to get out of the gym. With the mix of some new freshmen and returners we will have an experienced lineup."
Photo: Freshman Lauren Balfe works on a rundown
The 2015 schedule will be challenging. FM is set to play four of the top five schools in the preseason Region 3 ratings: Herkimer, Corning, Onondaga, and Hudson Valley. This year 21 colleges will be playing Region 3 softball.
Photo: Returning first baseman Rebekah Reichard and runner Rebecca Shepard
FM's scheduled season opener and home opener is slated for March 26. However, this winter has been unusually severe, and the field may not be ready for play on the 26th. Fans are urged to check this website often for schedule changes.
C.J. Bonny, website writer
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