Veteran laden Mustangs softball squad looks to keep momentum

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 22 March 2019 at 12:14 pm

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Veteran members of the Medina softball team include, in front, Ashlee Howell, Morgan Allis, Cora Payne and Brandi Guild. In back are Brooklyn Brown, Abi Neuman, Camri King and Lacey Kenward.

After finishing in the runner-up spot last spring at 10-2, the Medina softball squad boasts a large veteran nucleus with which to make another strong run at the Niagara-Orleans League title.

That returning contingent includes seniors Cora Payne (pitcher), Ashlee Howell (catcher) and Brandi Guild (first base) along with juniors Lacey Kenward (pitcher), Camri King (outfield), Morgan Allis (third base), Abi Neuman (outfield) and sophomore Brooklyn Brown (first base).

Howell and King earned second team N-O All-League honors while Payne, Guild and Kenward all received Honorable Mention.

“We have a lot of returning veterans so we’re hoping to pick up where we left off last year,” said Coach Amber Cleaveland. “Our pitching is solid and overall I think we’re pretty solid. I’m really optimistic and looking forward to the season.

The Mustangs main losses to graduation were shortstop Alisha Scroger and first baseman Ryenn Oliver who both earned first team All-League honors.

Medina, which went 14-5 overall last spring,  is scheduled to begin N-O competition at home on April 10 against Albion.

Schedule
March: 29 – Iroquois, 4:30 p.m.
April: 1 – Pembroke, 4:30 p.m.; 3 – Cleve Hill, 4:30 p.m.; 8 – at Depew, 5 p.m.; 10 – Albion, 4:45 p.m.; 12 – at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.; 15 – Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.; 17 – at Akron, 4:45 p.m.; 29 – at Barker, 4:45 p.m.
May: 1 – Wilson, 4:45 p.m.; 6 – at Albion, 4:45 p.m.;  8 – Newfane, 4:45 p.m.; 10 – Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.; 13 – Akron, 4:45 p.m.; 15 – Barker, 4:45 p.m.; 17 – at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.