Albion softball squad eyes rebound season

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 March 2019 at 9:49 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s large returning softball group includes, in front, Lexi Wolck, Brylie Hapeman and Alexis Bentley. In back are Kendall Derisley, Aly Knaak, Paige Derisley, Sierra Newton and Ella Knaak. Missing from the photo are Emani Poole, Kenzi Hapeman, Leah Pritchard and Ryan Olles.

Last spring an underclassmen dominated Albion softball squad took its lumps going 4-8 in the league while gaining invaluable experience.

Now, with most of that still youthful but more experienced team back, the Purple Eagles are taking aim at an improved Niagara-Orleans League season.

The Purple Eagles large veteran contingent includes seniors Lexi Wolck (shortstop), Alexis Bentley (outfield), Brylie Hapeman (outfield) and Sierra Newton (who is currently recovering from an injury); juniors Ella Knaak (first base/pitcher), Paige Derisley (second base) and Kendall Derisley (outfield); sophomore Emani Poole (catcher); freshmen Kenzi Hapeman (utility), Aly Knaak (infield), Leah Pritchard (pitcher/first base) and eighth grader Ryan Olles (infield).

Brylie Hapeman and Newton both earned second team All-League honors and Wolck Honorable Mention last year

“We’e young again but we have some good experience and some great senior leadership,” said Coach Cathy Schmitt.

Albion’s graduation losses included first team N-O All-League third baseman Natalie DiCureia, pitcher Erin Doty and catcher Janae Doty.

The Purple Eagles are scheduled to open the N-O season at home against Barker on April 8.

Schedule
(all games at 4:45 unless noted)
March: 25 – at Kenmore West
April: 2 – Brockport; 3 – at Batavia, 4:30 p.m.; 6 – Aquinas, 12 p.m.; 8 – Barker, 10 – at Medina, 12 – Akron, 15 – at Wilson, 22 – at Lyndonville, 11 a/m/, 23 – Lockport, 11 a.m., 29 – Roy-Hart.
May: 1 – at Newfane, 3 – at Barker, 6 – Medina, 8 – at Akron, 10 – Wilson, 14 – Newfane, 15 – at Roy-Hart, 17 and 18 – Tournament at Lake Placid High.