By Chris Parker
Verona softball is looking to take a big step forward this season with eight starters and five seniors returning.
“My seniors will be my team leaders,” Verona head coach Jacob Well said. “This is their fourth year of playing for me and looking for big things out of them.”
Junior Olivia Freiburger and senior Emilee Ayers will handle the pitching duties.
“Their pitching style will be to attack the strike zone this year,” Well said. “Both have good off-speed pitches that will keep players off balanced.”
Seniors Taylor Baker and Whitlee Cornelison will both be options at catcher.
The infield will feature Ayers (1B), Abbi Borgart (2B), Marley Foster (3B) and Kaleah Cohen (SS). Pricilla Martinez (LF) and Cornelison (CF) will be in the outfield.
Staying healthy will be important for Verona.
“I think the improvement comes with being available this year,” Well said. “We had injuries and that hurt our roster last year.”
Verona opens its season on Mar. 21 with its home tournament.
“I believe our offense will be one of our strengths and also our defense will be improved from last year,” Well said. “We need to improve on the pitching side of things. Also we need to improve our situation on the softball.”
