Medina softball squad returns strong nucleus

Photo by Mike Wertman – Veteran members of the Medina softball team include, in front, Alisha Scroger, Brandi Guild and Destiny Satkowski. In back are Kayla Cuadra, Cora Payne, Ryenn Oliver and Lexi Neuman. Missing from the photo are Emily Kams and Nicole Cooper.

Bolstered by a large nucleus of nine returnees to anchor the lineup the Medina softball squad is looking to contend for Niagara-Orleans honors this spring after going 8-6 in league competition last year.

Senior pitcher Emily Kams, who earned first team N-O All-League honors last year, along with shortstop Alisha Scroger and centefielder Destiny Satkowsk, both juniors who were both second team selections, head Medina’s veteran group.

That contingent also includes seniors Kayla Cuadra (outfield), Lexi Neuman (outfield) and Nicole Cooper (infield) along with sophomores Brandi Guild (third base/catcher), Ryenn Oliver (pitcher/outfield) and Cora Payne (pitcher/infield).

The Mustangs roster also includes junior Alyssa Beyer (outfield), sophomore Ashlee Howell (catcher/outfield) and freshman Morgan Allis (infield).

“We’re looking for our returning experience to help lead us along with a lot of youth to fill the vacancies,” said Coach Amber Cleaveland.

The Mustangs graduation losses include Davina Birch (catcher), Courtney Bailey (first base) and Haylee Cogovan (second base).

The Mustangs are scheduled to open N-O competition at home against Barker on April 4.

Schedule

March: 30 – Cheektowaga, 7:30 p.m.

April: 3 – Lyndonville, 4:30 p.m.; 4 – Barker, 4:45 p.m.; 6 – at Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.; 7 – at Akron, 4:45 p.m.;  19 – Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.; 21 – at Albion, 4:45 p.m.; 24 – Wilson, 4:45 p.m.; 25 – at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.; 28 – Akron, 5 p.m.; 29  – at Depew Tournament.

May: 1 – at Barker, 4:45 p.m.; 3 – Newfane, 4:45 p.m.; 8 – Albion, 4:45 p.m.; 11 – at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.; 15 – at Cheektowaga, 4:45 p.m.