Veteran quartet leads Lady Raiders

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 28 March 2015 at 12:00 am

Photo by Mike Wertman – Leading the Barker softball squad this season will be this veteran quartet of Mary Rounds, Melissa Grosshans, Erika Moeller and Destinee Hillman.

Led by a quartet of returning starters, Barker is looking to improve upon last spring’s 8-6 Niagara-Orleans League (10-7 overall) softball record.

Junior pitcher Erika Moeller, who earned second team N-O All-League honors, heads that foursome which also includes senior shortstop Melissa Grosshans, senior third baseman Destinee Hillman and junior first baseman Mary Rounds.

Moeller registered 86 strikeouts and had an earned run average of 1.63 last season as opposing batters hit only .173 (39 of 264) against her.

Hillman, who earned N-O All-League Honorable Mention, hit .309 last season with 21 hits.

“Those four will be the key for us,” said Coach Bill Moeller. “We’ve got such a solid core we should win our fare share of games.”

The Lady Raiders also return varsity experience in seniors Chelsea Stratton and Ann Buffington along with junior Courtney Bodine who will be taking over new defensive roles in the infield and outfield.

Juniors Kelsie Engert, Gabby Wasnock and Haley Stansbury look to platoon at positions in the infield and outfield.

Two new comers to the varsity, freshmen Kylie Miller and Haylee Muzzillo, look to play key roles for the Lady Raiders at catcher and pitcher respectively.

Barker is scheduled to open the N-O season at defending co-champion Roy-Hart on April 9.

Barker’s Schedule

April 7 – at Lew-Port, 4:45 p.m.
April 9 – at Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.
April 11 – at Alexander Tournament
April 13 – at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
April 15 – Akron, 4:45 p.m.
April 17 – Medina, 4:45 p.m.
April 18 – CCA, 11 a.m.
April 20 – at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
April 22 – at Albion, 4:45 p.m.
April 24 – CSAT, 4:45 p.m.
April 25 – at Lyndonville, 3 p.m.
April 27 – at Elba, 4:30 p.m.
April 29 – Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.
May 1 – Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
May 4 – at Akron, 4:45 p.m.
May 6 – at Medina 4 p.m.
May 7 – Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
May 11 – Albion, 4:45 p.m.
May 13 – CSAT, 4:45 p.m.