A cohesive Cyclone squad ready to persevere in 2018

These swinging Cyclones can hit. And incoming head Coach Scott Sobol is confident his talented, hard-working team can persevere in 2018.

In pre-season action, the softball team lost some games but faced an NJCAA Division I nationally ranked team with only nine players on the field. They played their hearts out in their first venture outside, holding their own, playing their best and working together. With those attitudes, Sobol is excited for the regular season.

Sobol was named head coach in fall 2017, bringing with him a résumé of coaching several travel teams and leading squads at both Queen of Peace High School and Homewood-Flossmoor High School.

A recent retiree of the Oak Lawn Fire Department, Sobol uses the “one fist” ideology from his firefighting days. It’s a rallying cry for team building with the idea that you’re strongest as a cohesive unit. One stray pinky or thumb to the side makes the fist weaker.

“The players already have gravitated to that mantra. There are no cliques. We are one. They’ve helped each other with school and in practice. They have one concentrated effort,” Sobol said.

Some of that effort will stem from sophomore team leader, Savanah Julian (Richards). This infielder is athletic and a natural born leader. According to Sobol, she has no fear on the field and will “run through a brick wall.”

Also expected to make an impact is newcomer Megan Pyles (Evergreen Park), an all-around player as well as switch hitter. Sophomore Rachel Martin (Eisenhower) worked on hitting in the off-season and should be much improved this season. Samantha Stahl (Argo), another freshman, is one of three pitchers on the team who not only throws hard but is a threat at the plate as well. Amanda Richter (Evergreen Park) is a strong, determined infielder who, like Julian, will do whatever is asked of her. Fiona Sheridan (Oak Forest) is a transfer from the University of South Alabama and brings with her lightning speed, slap hitting and a great attitude. Another player to watch is Jeanna Kuligoski (Sandburg), who only joined the team in January but has good hands at third.

As a newcomer to Moraine Valley and college softball, Sobol wants, at minimum, the team to break even (last year they finished 15-25 overall and 7-5 in conference) yet be competitive in the conference. He spends time working on the mental aspect of the game, but knows this team has the fight and hitting ability to be successful.

“This team can and will hit. You always have a punchers chance,” Sobol said. “This is not the robust roster I thought we’d have, but they have perseverance. I’d rather have that attitude with fewer players than the alternative.”