Lions Softball Season Coming To A Close

After starting the season strong, with wins over Shore 'B' South foes, Brick Township and Manchester, the Lions girls softball team (6-9) would go on to finish fourth in the division, in what head coach Mike Shern has best described as a rebuilding year.

"We have been a very mediocre team this year," said Shern. "We have two key contributors as seniors, but overall we are a very young team."

Leading the way for the Lions is senior captain Laura D'Ornella. D'Ornella is one of two pitchers for Lacey and she has turned in a record of three wins and six losses.

Although the season has not gone how Shern planned, the Lions have been able to showcase some of their younger talent, which was needed with only a few seniors.

Junior Katie Valiant shared the pitching duties with D'Ornella, and holds has gone .500, holding a record of three wins as well as three losses. 

Center fielder Jenna Appello has been terrific thus far, as Shern claimed she was the biggest threat in the lineup. The junior is currently hitting .411.

Despite facing struggles on the mound along with struggles producing runs, the Lacey defense has been excellent, said Shern.

"They do a pretty good job in the field," said Shern. "Our fielding has kept us in most of the games we have played."

The biggest standout on defense for the Lions has been short stop Jenna Fleck. Fleck, also a junior, another Lion who will be back next spring giving Lacey a lot to look forward to.

"I think we certainly have a strong nucleus of underclassmen," said Shern. "Plenty of returners to build around."

The Lions finished at 5-5 in 'B' South play, good enough for fourth in the division.