IAC SOFTBALL: EXPECTATIONS HIGH FOR LADY WOLVERINES IN 2019 (2019-03-29)
By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports ReportWAVERLY "” Waverly saw its 2018 season come to an end with a 1-0 loss to eventual state champion Susquehanna Valley in the Section IV, Class B semifinals. With the Lady Wolverines returning a great deal of experience, expectations are high in 2019 for coach Brian Wendela.
"As a coach I'm pleased with the excitement and the energy the team has possessed early on," he said.
"We have talked about limiting distractions and working hard every day we get a chance," noted Wendela. "I really think if we buy into being a family on and off softball field, and really play as a team, the sky is the limit for this team."
Waverly returns all-state pitcher Wendi Hammond for her senior season, as well as senior Jordan Mente at first base, junior Morgan Adams at shortstop, sophomore Hali Jenner at third base, sophomore Alyssa Sindoni at second base, and seniors Kari VanAllen and Sydney Meyers in the outfield.
Junior Paige Lewis returns and will see time at first base and in the outfield, while senior Sabrina Pierce could see time at third base or in the outfield, and seniors Brittany Rorick and Rebecca Peake return and will also vie for time in the outfield.
"We bring back a lot of experience," said Wendela. "It's a talented group of girls who, when focused, have the ability to play and win on any given night.
"I'm looking for the seniors to lead the way and I am excited to see if we can reach our full potential," he added.
Wendela also believes he had a trio of junior newcomers - Megan Lee, Morgan Lee, and Adrianah Clinton - who could contribute this year. Morgan Lee will see time in the outfield, and possibly at catcher, while Megan Lee and Clinton could both see time in the outfield and / or infield.
"All three newcomers bring a variety of softball skills," he said. "They have the ability to play multiple positions on defense and, when given a chance, I think they will contribute on offense.
There may be a bit of a learning curve, but the future looks promising," Wendela added.
Wendela's biggest concern heading into 2019 is his offense.
"We have some things to figure out. Our defense is OK, and it obviously helps to have Wendi Hammond pitching," said Wendela.
"We're going to have to learn how to hit," he noted. "A lot of our girls played travel ball, but they're coming out of 16U, and haven't really played on this level.
"We're going to have to hit the ball and score some runs, that's been our fight the last couple years," added Wendela.
Hammond, who is committed to play at Division I Albany, will handle most of the pitching duties, but Jenner, Hall, and Sindoni could also see action there.
Wendela says Hammond will be the key to any success the Lady Wolverines enjoy in 2019.
"Hammond will see the majority of innings," said Wendela. "This being her senior year, she has the potential to be one of the top pitchers in the state.
"She has been gearing up for this year for her whole life," he noted. "She's been leading the team, and she will be the key to what we do.
"I think if we can score four or five runs a game, the rest of it will take care of itself with her on the mound," Wendela added.
While Hammond is back, five-year starter at catcher Zoe Mennig has moved on to play at Oswego Sate.
Wendela says junior Riley Hall has stepped up take her place.
"Without a doubt, replacing Zoe (Mennig) was our biggest challenge coming into this season," said Wendela. "Riley (Hall) had caught on her travel team, and it all came together a little better than I anticipated.
"I know it was one of Wendi's biggest worries, but they've picked it up quick," he noted. "I let them figure it out on their own during our scrimmages, and they've come together nicely. I'm still calling some pitches, but they're figuring it out pretty quickly."
The IAC has instituted a new divisional format this season based on the participating schools' enrollment. Waverly will be grouped in Division 3 with fellow Class B schools Whitney Point and Dryden, and the bigger Class C schools Newark Valley, Watkins Glen, and Notre Dame.
"At our coaches meeting, there were some concerns about bussing and travel, but I'm in favor of it," said Wendela.
"I think it benefits the bigger schools, like Waverly," he noted. "We don't get that extra game with Edison, but we trade that for games against Whitney Point and Dryden, and open dates for bigger schools that we can add.
"It will definitely benefit us when it comes to playoff points," added Wendela.
Waverly, which blanked Towanda 3-0 in its season-opener Thursday, is in action this afternoon at Watkins Glen.
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IN PHOTO: Waverly senior Wendi Hammond.
