Defense Key For Wolverine Softball in 2011

Westwood High School's varsity softball team is looking to bounce back from a (2-18) 2010 campaign and will look to do it first with defense.

“Our team’s success this year is going to be determined by our defense,” said third-year head coach Jonas Sherr. “If we can make the plays that are in front of us and limit our errors in the field, we have the talent to win our share of games.”

The Wolverines, however, will have to fill the void left by key senior contributors from last year, including First-Team Tri-Valley League All-Star Katie O’Brien, Second-Team All-Star Rian Rossetti, four-year pitcher Katie Loftus, and seniors Mariah Arnold, Samantha Sestito and Colleen Laughter.

Still, Sherr said he feels his captains this year have the experience and attitude to produce wins.

“They have been tremendous in the offseason and preseason setting the tone for our team,” Sherr said. “They are experienced varsity players who approach the game the right way, work hard to improve and play for their teammates. Their attitudes are contagious and we’re excited about out team’s mentality coming out of the preseason.”

Third baseman Leigha Valentine and left fielder Rachel Masotta are in charge of captain duties and of a class of just three seniors; the other senior is first baseman Amanda Dilulis.

Westwood will start two underclassmen in the rotation, sophomore Liz Loftus and freshman EB Messenio, both of whom have extremely high hopes entering the season.

Sherr said he understands that his squad lost some significant pieces last season, but the team’s outlook remains the same.

“Our goal every year is to win the games that are in front of us and to make the state tournament," he said. "Our expectations are high; when we take the field, we’re there to compete, and if our opponents are going to beat us, they are going to have to play their best."

Sherr reiterated that he feels confident in his young club from top to bottom and feels they will have success and be rewarded if they play with the same effort and motivation they did in the offseason. 

A scrimmage against Winsor High School was cancelled Friday, though the team took on Newton South in a scrimmage at 11 a.m. Saturday. For the official 2011 schedule, click here.