NTL SOFTBALL: YOUNG ATHENS TEAM LOOKING TO DEFEND 2019 TITLE (7 PHOTOS) (2021-03-26)
By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports ReportATHENS "” Athens won its first-ever NTL Large School Division title in 2019, and would have had many key returners in place in 2020 to defend that title, but Covid wiped away the season and dreams of a title repeat.
Two years, later, however, with only a few players back from 2019, Athens coach Mickey Farrell still has his eyes on the prize.
"Our goal is still to defend our title after winning the first one in school history."
How does Farrell like his team's chances of defending the title?
"It's really tough to say after missing all of last season.
"Our pitching is young and defensively we have struggled out of the gate," noted Farrell. "We've been hitting OK in the cage ... and we have decent speed.
"The season will ultimately depend on how our young pitchers fare against the good hitting teams," added Farrell. "And, it will depend on if we can match the intensity needed to be a varsity softball player."
Farrell is looking for sophomores Aliyah Butler and Addy Repsher, and junior Caydence Macik to do the majority of the pitching, with senior Carlie Simpson possibly seeing time in the circle as well.
Senior Harley Sullivan, an offensive stalwart on the NTL title team, will start at catcher, with freshman Ashlyn VanFleet, sophomore Mackenzie Morgan, and freshman Marissa Butler also possibilities behind the plate.
Sophomore Addy Repsher will start at first base, with senior Megan Collins at second base, Macik at shortstop, and senior Mallory Mummert at third base.
Audry Hatch will see time at first, Aliyah Butler will see time at first base, second base, and shortstop depending on who is in the pitcher's circle, while Repsher will see time at first base, sophomore Alli Thoman will vie for time at second base, and Simpson will see action at third base.
Hatch will get the nod in center field, and will be flanked by VanFleet in right field, and junior Macie Coyle in left field. Morgan, Thoman and sophomore Braelyn Wood will also see time in the outfield.
Athens opens the 2021 season this afternoon at Canton.
AROUND THE NTL"Again, with us not playing last year, it has us wondering who has what," said Farrell.
"Wyalusing is loaded at pitcher with the (Hailey) Jayne back," noted Farrell. "Maddie Maynard is back in Towanda, and she's pretty good.
"Canton and Northeast Bradford will both be good int he Small School (Division)," he continued. "Canton started a boat load of freshman two years ago, and Northeast still has (Emily) Susanj and Ive heard Franklin girl is a pretty good pitcher."
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PHOTOS BY MATT PATTON.
