Medina softball has a youthful squad

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 27 March 2023 at 9:37 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Leading Medina into the upcoming softball season is this group of returnees. In front are Baileigh McAdoo and Eva Lacy. In back are K’Mani Poole, Lorelei Sanders, Alayna Smith and Rylee VanNostrand.

Underclassmen dominate the roster for the Medina softball squad which is scheduled to begin tuning up for the April 14 Niagara-Orleans League opener at rival Albion by hosting Batavia at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The Mustangs veterans include senior infielders Alayna Smith and Rylee VanNostrand along with junior outfielders Ki’Mani Poole and Baileigh McAdoo, junior infielder Lorelei Sanders and sophomore infielder Eva Lacy. VanNostrand earned N-O All-League Honorable Mention.

Youth will also man the key pitching position which looks to be shared by freshman Lilah Class and eighth grader Samantha Heschke.

“We’re young but we’re excited about the season and our returnees bring some good experience,” said Coach Connie Heschke.

The Mustangs graduation losses included first team N-O All-League honoree pitcher Faith Oberther and second team selection outfielder Lily Carpenter. Junior shortstop Miriam Fike, who earned All League Honorable Mention, is also not playing this season.

The Mustangs went 3-9 in N-O action last spring.