IAC SOFTBALL: TIOGA COACH EXPECTS EXPERIENCE TO LEAD THE WAY IN 2022 (2022-04-04)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
TIOGA CENTER — With the majority of its roster returning, interim Tioga softball coach Stephanie Hills believes the Lady Tigers will be very competitive in 2022.

“I think one of our strengths is the fact we have so many returning players,” said Hills. “The positions that need to be filled are few and far between.

“Having players who are consistent at their position will definitely benefit us,” she added.

Junior Mackenzie Thetga will start behind the plate, while senior Julia Bellis will man first base, senior Molly Bombard will start at second base, and senior Abby Foley will start at third base.

Newcomer 8th-grader Raeann Feeko will start at shortstop.

“(Feeko) has definitely shown herself in practice,” said Hills. “She has played  summer ball and travel ball, and is definitely going to help us in that spot.”

Hills notes the infield will benefit from the return of Bellis at first base.

“(Bellis) has a big-time glove. She has definitely saved our butts at times,” said Hills. “She’s worked hard … and she’s a huge asset at first base.”

Senior Austyn Vance will start in center field, with ophomore Megan Shumway, junior Felicia Lantz, senior Alissa Hine, and senior Gabby Foley, once she returns from injury, see the majority of time in the corner outfield spots.

One key spot Tioga will need to fill is in the pitcher’s circle with the graduation of Kindra Wessels.

Hine, who threw 10 innings last year, freshman Erin Luther, and Feeko will handle the pitching chores for the Lady Tigers.

“I think our pitching will be a strength, too,” said Hills. “We have three pretty solid pitchers, and that will help us as we go.

“We just have to remember they are young, and this is their first year of varsity ball,” she added. “As long as they can do what we see in practice from them in the game, I think we’ll be OK.”

One concern for Hills is a small roster, and a spate of injuries.

“Our numbers are pretty low this year,” said Hills. “We have 11 healthy girls right now.

“We have a lot of returning players, and a few young players,” she noted. “Depending on injuries, we also have a few that could float up to varsity from the JVs as well.

“Right now, we’re dealing with a lot of injuries,” added Hills. “So, staying healthy could be a struggle.”

Another pitcher, Courtney Wagner, is out for season with an injury.

Hills is looking for the Lady Tigers to make the postseason.

“Ideally, I’d like to continue on with what (coach) Heather (Klossner) has down with the program, and make it into Sectional play.

“I think with so many returning players, we have the potential to do so,” said Hills. “It all comes down to how we show up for every game. I think as long as we are focused and motivated, we’ll be able to reach our goals.”

Hills expect a battle with Spencer-Van Etten in the IAC South Small School title race.

“(S-VE) is definitely a team we will need to be 100-percent focused in on when we play,” she said. “I think they are a team to beat.”

Tioga opens play this afternoon when it hosts Waverly.

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IN PHOTO: Tioga’s Mackenzie Thetga.