Albion has veteran laden softball squad

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 28 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Mike Wertman – Leading Albion into the upcoming Niagara-Orleans League softball season is this large group of returnees. In front are Allyson Irwin, Natalie DiCureia, Olivia Prest, Brylie Hapeman and Kassidy Hastings. In back are Kaitlyn VanSkiver, Ellen Narburgh, Meghan Hurley, Kelsee Soule and Isabella Prest. Missing from the photo is Ashley Bocach.

With the lineup returning almost intact, Albion is looking to rebound from last year’s 3-11 Niagara-Orleans League softball season.

Heading the Purple Eagles large veteran contingent are senior pitcher/infielder Meghan Hurley, who earned first team N-O All-League honors, senior infielder/outfielder Olivia Prest, a second team selection, along with senior pitcher/infielder Ellen Narburgh and sophomore infielder Natalie DiCureia who both received honorable mention.

Senior infielder/pitcher Kelsee Soule, who mssed last season due to an injury but earned first team All-League honors the previous two years, also returns.

The Purple Eagles lineup also includes seniors Ashley Bocach (infield), Kassidy Hastings (infield/outfield), Allyson Irwin (outfield); juniors Isabella Prest (outfield), Skyler Smith (outfield/pitcher), Kaitlyn VanSkiver (infield) and freshman Brylie Hapeman (outfield).

“We have the experience and the potential is certainly there,” said Coach Cathy Schmitt.

The Purple Eagles have several non league games scheduled, beginning at home against Batavia on Tuesday, before opening the N-O season at Wilson on April 8.

Schedule:
March 29 – Batavia, 4:30 p.m.
April 1 – Aquinas, 5 p.m.
April 6 – at Lew-Port, 4:45 p.m.
April 8 – at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
April 11 – at Medina, 4:45 p.m.
April 13 – Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
April 15 – at CSAT, 4:45 p.m.
April 18 – at Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.
April 20 – at Barker 4:45 p.m.
April 22 – Akron, 4:45 p.m.
April 25 – Wheatland-Chili, 6 p.m.
April 27 – Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
April 29 – Medina, 4:45 p.m.
April 30 – Lake Placid, 9:30 a.m.
May 2 – at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
May 4 – CSAT, 4:45 p.m.
May 6 – Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.
May 9 – Barker, 4:45 p.m.
May 12 – at Akron, 5 p.m.
May 13 – at Cheektowaga, 4:30 p.m.