Albion softball eyes bounce back season

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 20 March 2020 at 9:51 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – The Albion softball team’s veteran group includes, in front, Ryan Olles, Paige Derisley and Kendall Derisley. In back are Bryne Dysard, Kenzi Hapeman, Emani Poole and Leah Pritchard.

Looking to rebound from last spring’s 4-8 Niagara-Orleans League (6-11 overall) campaign, the Albion varsity softball squad is anchored by a good contingent of seven returnees.

That veteran group includes sophomore pitcher Leah Pritchard, junior catcher Emani Poole, senior infielder Paige Derisley, junior infielder Bryne Dysard, sophomore infielder/outfielder Kenzi Hapeman, freshman infielder Ryan Olles and senior outfielder Kendall Derisley.

Paige Derisley and Kendall Derisley both received N-O All-League Honorable Mention last spring.

“We’ve got a good core group back,” said Coach Cathy Schmitt. “We’ve got seven starters back including our pitcher and catcher so that is big.”

The Purple Eagles graduation losses included outfielder Brylie Hapeman, shortstop Lexi Wolk and first baseman Sierra Newton, Hapeman was a first team N-O All-League honoree and Wolck a second team selection.

And while the current closing of schools due to the Coronavirus concern has left the starting date of the season undetermined the Purple Eagles are fortunate that they had only one N-O game scheduled prior to April 20. Albion was to open the N-O season at home against Medina on April 8 and then visit Akron on April 20 following the Easter break.