By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports Report
SAYRE — Sayre's numbers have been creeping up, as has its win total the last two years, and first-year coach Matt Senese is looking for more in 2025.
"Our numbers are good from junior high through varsity, which is a good step for the program," said Senese.
"We have four seniors, and a few juniors, the rest are of JV age.
"All our girls, at every level, are primed to win," he added.
Senese, who coached the girls varsity basketball team this season, has been involved in Sayre athletics at all levels for years.
"Some of these girls I coached in T-ball, so it's nice to group up with them again," he said.
Looking at this year's team, Senese likes what he sees, and thinks it can improve on last season's five wins.
"We have quite a few girls who have a lot of experience.
"We have quite a few utility players, we have girls we can move all over the place," he said.
"I think we have pretty good depth," added Senese. "If we have a couple injuries, I think we'll be OK."
Senior Raegan Parrish will get the majority of innings in the pitching circle, with sophomore Zoey Ward also expected to see time.
Junior Mikyah Brown will start at catcher, with senior Emily Chilson, and senior Abbie McGaughey at third base.
Senior Mercedez Haggerty, at second base, and freshman McKenna Parrish, at shortstop, will form the double-play combination up the middle. Freshman Olivia Homer will also see some time at second base.
Junior Olivia Thompson will man center field, with junior Rylee Lantz in left field.
Sophomore Paige Sechrist will get the nod in right field in the opener, but sophomore Kayleigh Winiavski and freshman Brooklyn Roberts will all vie for playing time there.
The Redskins averaged nearly six errors per game in 2024, and that's been a major focus of the preseason.
"We do a lot more on defense than offense; these girls know how to hit.
"We've moved a few girls to different positions," said Senese. "We're putting them in positions where we feel like they're going to succeed.
"I think we made 98 errors last year ... I think we can cut those errors in half this year," he added.
Offensively, the Redskins made great strides in 2024, led by Thompson and McGaughey, who both hit .375.
"In our scrimmage, we hit the ball very well," said Senese. "The girls were thrilled.
"We just have to figure out how we're going to get that production and keep it rolling from the end of the line-up, and roll it over to the top again," he added.
Senese has high hopes for the Redskins in 2025.
"It's been a long time since Sayre won double-digits, that's what we're shooting for.
"I would really like to send these girls off on a high note," he said.
Sayre opens the 2025 season this afternoon at Canton.
"I think the girls are excited. They look forward to the first game," said Senese. "They want to set the tone, and make a statement."
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PHOTO BY TIM BIRNEY.
