Softball Season Preview

The 2011 campaign for softball was a pretty successful one, which included a 20-7 record (14-4 in the PAC-10), and fourth place in the district tournament (loss to Hatboro-Horsham, who eventually won districts and states). The girls lost in the first round of states to Williamsport and loss to Boyertown in the Final Four, finishing second in the league.

This year, 16th-year head coach Tim Hughes and his strong core of varsity girls are off to a 3-0 start, with wins over Phoenixville, Pottsgrove and Pottstown. They play Perkiomen Valley today as Spring Break begins.

"I don't think expectations were up for us last year except for the kids in the field and the coaches," Hughes said. "This year, we're in the same boat. There's a lot of good teams out there in the PAC-10."

The girls started the season down in Florida, where they looked pretty good against Avonworth (Pittsburgh, win, 14-0), Milton (Massachusetts, win, 10-0), and Vineland (New Jersey, win, 3-1).

Despite the strong start, Hughes sets his sights right on track for his Rams.

"I think expectations for this year are the same as what they typically are here," said Hughes. "We want to be successful. We want to make sure the kids are continuing to work hard every time. We try and teach a little bit more than just softball. My assistant coaches Shawn Corropolese and Dan Miscavage and I want to make sure the girls are doing the right things at the right time. That comes back to be an aid for our success and helps us out. Plus, I'm given good kids. I'm dealt four aces. I try a lot of times to use their talent and don't over coach, because that takes away from their talent."

The girls lost two integral players in their lineup to graduation in 2011, including (catcher, second base, utility) and Allie Sasek (outfield). Diegel plays at Cabrini this year, and Sasek joins the Oregon Ducks.

"Both obviously were very good players; excellent players!" Hughes said. "They're tough to replace. Allie was a solid center fielder. I had Steph catch for me for a year, then went to second base, because she was more of a utility where I could use here where we had holes to fill. She did that very well."

This year's team is senior-heavy, with seven key players leading the way: Becca James (first base), Lex Nadwodny (catcher), Deme Kanakis (third base), Liz Bauer (left field), Marisha Bates (shortstop), Danielle Miles (utility), and Danielle Belamey (utility).

"We've got some young kids playing but we also have some seniors in there that have seen success," Hughes said. "A lot of them have been a part of a district championship and a lot of them have been part of a Final Four loss last year. So, they know what it's like to win and lose. I think that's going to help us out a little bit this year."

Hughes said he just wants his kids to go out and play and not worry about doing too much leading, because he doesn't want them to shy away from the true talent they have. However, he was not hesitant in pointing out how fortunate the coaching staff is to have these particular girls.

"These kids are good though," he said. "I'm not only dealt a good hand with talent, but just the kids as well. They're good kids. I don't have any problems. I don't have any situations. I have kids that are respectful, parents that are respectful and this is why it's nice coaching here. I don't have to deal with a whole lot of stuff - I'm fortunate to receive these players and their parents."

So far, Hughes said, the weather has been fantastic and he doesn't anticipate that being too much of a problem. The biggest concern is coming out and getting beat on any given day, as the league is rich with tough competition.

"With the games and the teams we play, it's going to be difficult," Hughes said. "That's one thing about this league - not a team, since the PAC-10 has started has ever gone 18-0. We came close a couple of times, Owen J. [Roberts] came close a couple of times, but that's because there's so much unity in this league with a lot of teams."

Overall, Hughes sees another great season ahead for the Lady Rams.

"We're set up for success and it's our job as coaches and players to succeed the best we can," he said.

Spring-Ford Softball 2012 Schedule

• 3/27 - vs. Phoenxville (W, 8-3)
• 3/29 - @ Pottsgrove (W, 12-8)
• 4/2 - vs. Pottstown (W, 20-0)
• 4/4 - @ Perkiomen Valley (4:00 p.m.)
• 4/11 - vs. Pope John Paul II (4:00 p.m.)
• 4/12 - @ Upper Perkiomen (4:00 p.m.)
• 4/16 - vs. Owen J. Roberts (4:00 p.m.)
• 4/18 - @ Methacton (4:00 p.m.)
• 4/20 - vs. Boyertown (4:00 p.m.)
• 4/23 - @ Phoenixville (4:00 p.m.)
• 4/25 - vs. Pottsgrove (4:00 p.m.)
• 4/27 - @ Pottstown (4:00 p.m.)
• 4/30 - vs. Perkiomen Valley (4:00 p.m.)
• 5/2 - @ Pope John Paul II (4:00 p.m.)
• 5/3 - vs. Upper Perkiomen (4:00 p.m.)
• 5/7 - @ Owen J. Roberts (7:00 p.m.)
• 5/9 - vs. Methacton (4:00 p.m.)
• 5/10 - @ Boyertown (7:00 p.m.)