Lady Rams prep for N-O title defense

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 15 March 2019 at 8:00 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Defending champion Roy-Hart’s lineup includes, in front, Sam Choate, Jayden Townsend, Emily Metz, Lexie Lovewell and Ashley Hill. In back are Sophia DiCenso, Reanne Perkins, Claire Halstead, Mallory Steiner and Shelby Wolf. Missing from the photo are Maddie Fry and Jamie Bower.

Returning a large veteran contingent, which includes seven All-League squad honorees, Roy-Hart is prepping to defend its Niagara-Orleans League softball title.

That large veteran group includes first team All-League honoree senior catcher Maddie Fry, second team honorees sophomore pitcher Mallory Steiner and senior outfielder/pitcher Lexie Lovewell along with Honorable Mention selections seniors Jamie Bower (third base) and Jayden Townsend, junior Sam Choate (outfielder/pitcher) and sophomore Reanne Perkins (second base).

Also returning are seniors Ashley Hill and Emily Metz.

Rounding out the squad are  Shelby Wolf, Clair Halstead and Sophia DiCenso.

“Every practice, ever rep is important. We don’t take anything for granted,” said Coach John Grzymala. “We know we have a bullseye on our back. We have to come to play every day. And we have some unfinished business from last year.”

Last spring, the Lady Rams captured their third N-O title in the last four years with a 12-0 record but had their bid for a sectional title ended in the finals to finish with a 15-1 overall record.

The Lady Rams graduation losses include first team N-O All-League honorees Kayla Brown at shortstop and Maddy Glena at first base.

Roy-Hart’s schedule will be highlighted by a series of games and scrimmages at the Disney Experience in Florida during the Easter break week.

The Lady Rams are slated to begin their N-O title defense at home on April 8 against Akron.

Schedule
April: 3 – at Williamsville East, 4:30 p.m.; 4-4 at West Seneca East, 4:45 p.m.; 8 – Akron, 4:45 p.m.; 10 – Newfane, 4:45 p.m.; 12 – Mt. Mercy, 4:45 p.m.; 15 – at Medina, 4:45 p.m.; 17 – at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.; 21-24 – at Disney Experience; 29 – at Albion, 4:45 p.m.
May: 1 – Barker, 4:45 p.m.; 3 – at Akron, 4:45 p.m.; 6 – at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.; 10 – Medina, 4:45 p.m.; 13 – Wilson, 4:45 p.m.; 15 – Albion, 4:45 p.m.; 17 at Baker.