Lady Golden Eagles Softball Team on a Mission

Members of the Central Regional girls softball team have a score to settle when they travel to Jackson Liberty High School on April 8.

Not only are the Golden Eagles looking to win the Shore Conference B South championship, they want to avenge their runner-up finish in the conference by one game last year with a loss to Jackson Liberty.

We're looking strong," coach Steve Stout said.  "We're trying to iron out the kinks, although the weather has not helped at all with forcing us and everybody else indoors. There's limited space. You can only do so much in the gym."

But Central Regional is looking to be sharp enough with a rearranged defensive lineup behind veteran pitcher Ashley Aires, a junior who got all the decisions last year in an 18-4 season, in time for the Shore Conference and NJSIAA Group III South section tournaments. The Golden Eagles saw three of the last four seasons end in a tough loss in the section finals.

"She's working hard and the biggest thing about her this year is her confidence," Stout said. "Last year, she was taking over the job and finding her location."

Heather Tice -who led the girls basketball team to its first division title in 20 years - hopes to do the same for the softball team at shortstop.

But she has only one proven veteran beside her in the infield in third baseman Gina Cowdrick, a junior who played at second base last year. Cowdrick replaces graduated starter Kelsey Coraigo.

Courtney Mahnken,  a junior, takes over at second base and Kayla Heline, a sophomore who was a backup outfielder last year, is starting at first base. Jessica Volek, a junior, has the edge at catcher where Amanda Field played smoothly last year before graduation.

"She (Volek) has stepped into the role after playing in the outfield," Stout said. "She has a lot of speed. We moved her back there for that and her strong arm. She has a quick step behind the plate."

So it's  up to Tice's veteran leadership to keep things smooth in the infield.

"I love that role," Tice said. "I feel confident in our infield, even though we have new starters at some spots. They're all capable."

Sophomore center fielder Brittany Oldehof broke into the lineup as a freshman last season.  Senior Ashley Majury is starting in left field while juniors Alexis DeRose and Sarah Will have been battling for the start in right field.

Tice said the team "is definitely ready," despite the changes.

"We've worked on hitting a lot and are pretty solid from top to bottom," she said. "With the defense, it's just knowing where everyone is. It's the defense supporting Ashley. I'm doing pretty good right now and will help as much as I can."