Seniors lead Boardman softball squad

April 23, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

Boardman softball coach Mike Trell enters his fourth season with the program and his third as head coach – a position he shares with Marco Marinucci.

Last season, the Spartans were 22-8 overall and 11-3 in the Federal League, which was good enough for third place overall.

The district champions and regional runners-up are hoping to get beyond the region this year, losing out the past two seasons when they dropped a 1-0 decision to Hudson (2009), then falling short to eventual state and league champion, Massillon Perry (3-2) a year ago.

“This year is the first time in a long time that we have a veteran crew to work with. We’re stressing fundamentals and a renewed aggressiveness at the plate, knowing full well that we will have to score runs in order to win. We have excellent pitching and a solid defense, but might have to rely on the bunt and slap to help us out offensively,” Trell said.

Eight seniors return to the fold, led by pitcher Alex DiDomenico, who will pitch for Ohio State next season, and shortstop Brooke Meenachan, who will head to YSU.

In addition to DiDomenico and Meenachan, Missy DeMarinis (second base); Bethany Haddle (catcher); Julie Olbrych (third base); Danielle Petrus (center field), Julie Sokol (first base/pitcher) and Shannon Witte (outfield) make it a formidable senior unit.

Two juniors, Nicola Gabriele (first base/pitcher) and Kayleigh Huck (right field) will also see playing time this spring.