It is not uncommon to see the varsity softball team on the field after most other teams conclude their practices. This year, the team has extended their practices in attempts to improve upon their former record.
“We’ve got quite a few players with some talents,” coach Tim Cerutti said. “Our senior captains Alyssa Waitz, Taylor Johnson and Jamie Lazaroff are all very strong players. Alyssa is about as good as anyone in the area.”
One major difference in the developing team is the group of girls it is comprised of, and the talents the individuals bring. There are seven players new to the team this year, including freshman Lauren Greenstein.
“The new players bring a lot of potential to the team because they are all hard workers and help push us,” senior Alyssa Waitz said. “Also, Lauren Greenstein coming in as our back up pitcher helps us out a lot during tournaments.”
The returning players offer guidance to the new players and create a positive atmosphere for the team.
“All the upperclassmen tease me a lot and jokingly blame things on me. If I do something stupid or make a mistake they hold it over my head for a week,” Greenstein said. “But I know that they’re always looking out for me and we all get along.”
The team is changing various practice and game techniques in addition to the change in players in an effort to improve the 2-19 record from last season.
“This year, we’re communicating more. We’re trying out new drills and we’re focusing on skills that need improvement rather than the basic,” junior Hannah Dalton said. “I’m playing first base this year, which is completely new to me.”
According to Dalton, the coaches push the team, but the coaches credit the team for the recent improvement.
“I honestly think that most of the girls are working harder and working as a team” Cerutti said.
Though the girls agree there is room for improvement, such as the need to reduce errors, they also demonstrate developing strengths. According to Waitz, the team has an increasing chance for success, especially because of the teammates’ attitudes towards one another.
“We’re all good friends so practices and games are fun. We like to sing, make up stupid dances and have fun with each other. It’s usually a fun environment to be around; we all support each other,” Greenstein said.
As a team, the coaches and teammates have diminished prior doubt about how the new team would cooperate.
“At first I wasn’t sure how the team would bond because of all the new players and such a young team, but we made it happen, and seem to work together and support each other really well,” Waitz said. “Even with all the different personalities we get along and have a lot of fun.”
