Sickles Softball Team Eyes Run to State Tournament

Graduating the likes of the Goff sisters -- Ashli and Courtney -- would normally put a dent in a team's playoff hopes.

They were the lynchpins for the softball team last year that finished 24-6 and advanced to the regional finals. Ashli batted .642 with 61 hits and 23 RBIs, and Courtney smashed 49 base knocks with 26 RBIs. Both of their on base percentages exceeded 50 percent.

Sickles coach Phil Giarrizzo isn't dismayed, however, with a well rounded group returning.

Senior captains Mya Anderson and Alyssa Ely should provide veteran leadership, with junior Brittany Johnson expected to provide some of the power the Goff's took with them. Sophomores Ashley Weisman and Megin Eskew are also expected to contribute.

The pitching vacuum left by Chelsea Oglevie (0.96 ERA in 102 innings) will be assumed by junior Nichole Lewis, who worked to a stingy 1.95 ERA with 82 strikeouts in 71 innings. She also batted .358 last year.

Eskew and fellow sophomore Devon Morrison will fill the number two mound slot.

The Gryphons are off to a fast start, with Lewis pitching a four-hit shutout in a 5-0 victory against Freedom in the home opener. Eskew was 3-for-3 with two RBIs.

Defending district champion Gaither and always strong Chamberlain are expected to challenge Sickles for the two postseason berths.