43
Canfield softball team relies on experience
Photo
By Greg Gulas
With nine returning letterwinners, the Canfield softball team is optimistic about its chances in 2011.
“Great leadership skills are a key to success and we definitely have that in our two senior captains, pitcher Carlee Hart and second basemen Cara Cupler. They have been positive leaders during our preseason conditioning and continue to provide the leadership that is necessary for us to be a contender for the AAC and tournament runs,” said Cardinals coach Roni Haurin. “We feel that we can do both with the competitive schedule that we have and the work ethic that our team displays.”
Hart and junior Sarah Vrabel will be on the mound and at first base and have improved over last season.
Canfield posted a 17-12 overall mark a season ago and finished runner-up to Boardman for the district title.
In addition to their two pitching aces, two very capable, experienced catchers in junior Laura Beck and sophomore Sydney Opladen will complete the battery. Both are expected to see some infield duties as well.
Sophomore Abby Baker will return to the infield, while junior Gina Mancini will lead the Cardinals’ outfielders. Also returning to the outfield are sophomores Alexa Schmidt and Kayley Keller.
Three varsity newcomers, all of whom boast excellent speed, will provide support on the basepaths. They include freshman Ali Prologo and sophomores Ariana Ellis and Kaci Hyde.
Canfield will attend the Prebis Tournament and the Spring Showcase and Ohio Invitational in Akron during the season, which will give Haurin’s group a chance to face some of the tougher teams in the state.