The Our Lady of Mercy Academy softball team looks to bounce back from a 5th place finish in the conference last season. The girls will rely heavily on a core group of returning players.
Last Season: 5th place in CHSAA
Head Coach: Sister Meghan McArdle (8th Season)
Key Players:
- Stephanie Viggiano, shortstop
- Jessica Schild, second base
- Sam Sauer, pitcher
- Stephanie Pia, outfield
- Nicole Reda, third base
Position Breakdown: On the mound, Sauer is coming off an excellent year. She is expected to duplicate that success this season.
The Mustangs feature a lot of returning players - Stephanie Viggiano returns at shortstop, Jessica Schild at second base, and Nicole Reda at third to give the Mustangs an experienced infield. Stephanie Pia should be a force in the outfield as well.
The lack of newcomers should have a positive effect on the chemistry of the team early in the season. McArdle looks at the tight knit nature of the team as a major strength.
“They work as a team and don’t put individual performance first,” McArdle said. “The team is the top priority.”
Expectations: On the list of goals for coach McArdle’s softball team, winning close games is near the top.
“Last year, we lost a few games by one run,” McArdle said. “I would like to see that change.”
In order to turn the tables, McArdle has been preaching aggressiveness on the base paths.
“We need to use the speed of our players to score more runs,” McArdle said.
Chemistry will be a major asset if the Mustangs are to compete at the top of the CHSAA. Both St. John the Baptist and St. Anthony’s are expected to be formidable challengers for the title.
“Every year is an adjustment,” McArdle said. “I believe the girls will work hard to reach their potential and have a successful season.”
OLMA fell 1-0 in their season opener against St. Anthony’s on March 30 and will look to get their first win on Monday, April 4 when they head to St. John the Baptist.
Key Games:
Monday 4/4 – OLMA @ St. John the Baptist, 4:30p.m
Wednesday 4/13- St Mary’s @ OLMA, 4:30pm
Wednesday 5/4- OLMA @ St. Dominic’s, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 5/11- St. Dominic’s @ OLMA, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday 5/12- OLMA @ St. Anthony’s, 4:30 p.m.
