IAC SOFTBALL: FIRST-YEAR WAVERLY COACH LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCE TO CARRY LADY WOLVERINES IN 2022 (2022-04-06)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
WAVERLY — Kayla Witman is back for her second stint as head coach of the Waverly softball team, and she’s excited at the prospects of leading a veteran team into the 2022 season.

“I’m excited to be coaching these girls,” said Witman, who has spent the last several years as JV coach after coaching the varsity in 2016. “I coached almost all of them on JVs, so I know what they’re capable of.”

Witman believes her team’s varsity experience will be a big key in 2022.

“A major strength on our team is the core group of older girls who are returning are great leaders, and have taken the younger girls not he team under their wings.

“They are very positive with the younger girls,” said Witman. “We have such a great team atmosphere; and that’s a huge strength coming into the season.”

Witman said she’s also blessed to have a group of players who can play multiple positions.

“All our players are versatile, and can pretty much play any position,” she said. “We have a lot of options when I need to move kids around.”

Junior Michael Lauper will start at catcher, with senior Aubrey Ennis also likely to see time behind the plate.

Sophomore Peyton Shaw returns at first base, and senior Lourden Benjamin moves from the outfield to start at second base. Ennis will start at shortstop, with senior Bella Romano getting the starts at third base.

Junior Alyvia Daddona will start in center field, with freshman Brinn Cooney set to start in left field, and sophomore Natalie Lauper getting the nod in right field.

Sophomores Faith Blauvelt and Kaylee Purvis will also see time in the outfield, with sophomore Lea VanAllen slated to see time in the outfield and in the infield.

Sophomore Olivia Robinson, who threw 11 innings last season. will be Waverly’s main pitcher.

“Her first full year of pitching, and being the main pitcher on varsity is definitely going to be a learning process for Olivia,” said Witman.

“The main thing we’ve talked about is how to face adversity, and how to get yourself out of a bad situation because that’s where the pressure is,” she noted.

Witman, a pitcher in her playing days, said the biggest challenge for Robinson will be the mental part of the game.

“Being a pitcher myself, I have a unique education and knowledge to give to her about how to get yourself out of those tough mental situations in a game,” she said.

“Pitching is 10 percent pitching and 90 percent mental … we’re working a lot on our mental game.

“I have full confidence that Olivia is going to be strong for us,” added Witman. “I’m excited to see what she’s going to bring to us in her first year pitching.”

Witman’s biggest concern is the team’s lack of experience behind the plate.

“We don’t have an experience catcher — we don’t have someone who has been catching for years as our main catcher.

“We have two catchers who are talented and versatile, and they will be fine,” she said.

Witman has high expectations for the season.

“I expect us to get to Sectionals, and be very competitive there,” she said. “We have a very strong team, a lot of experience, a lot of effort, and a lot of drive.”

Waverly, which dropped a 13-12 decision at Tioga in its season opener Monday, plays at Newark Valley this afternoon.

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IN PHOTO: Waverly coach Kayla Witman and junior Alyvia Daddona. … VSR STOCK PHOTO.