Bisi-led Derry softball eyes return to playoffs

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, March 10, 2018 | 10:39 PM

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Derry advanced to the WPIAL softball playoffs last season for the first time since 2004.

With a solid group of returning starters, led by Penn State-commit Chelsea Bisi, the Trojans are looking to make another playoff run this season.

“We bring back a core of girls who had an opportunity to get a good chunk of game experience last year, while not having to be heavily leaned on,” coach Pat Meloy said. “We had a very experienced team last season. This year, I expect those girls to be our foundation.”

Bisi, a senior shortstop, hit .706 last season, with four home runs, three triples, 13 doubles and 21 RBIs. In three years, she has struck out twice and driven in 57 runs.

Bisi, a fourth-year starter, hit close to .600 as a sophomore and close to .700 as a freshman.

“I'm expecting to see a lot of growth from the team as the year progresses,” Bisi said. “We have a lot of underclassmen who I think have the potential to fill the shoes of the players we lost last year. We have a lot of girls with travel ball experience.”

Another senior starter back from last season is Riley Watson, a second baseman/utility player.

Bisi and Watson are joined by four returning sophomore starters: Kam Kelly, a catcher/third baseman; and outfielders Olexie Nuttall, Sarah Aukerman and Hannah Wedow, also a catcher/third baseman.

“While we are a young team, the goal is always the same,” Meloy said, “to come in and work on the basics, and make sure we are fundamentally strong.”

Meloy is anticipating a breakout season for Kelly, who hit .353 in her first year with the Trojans.

“Kam had a great freshman campaign,” Meloy said. “If not for a midseason slump, which is common for younger girls, I feel she would have finished more toward (hitting) .500.”

The Trojans will use a committee approach at pitcher with five freshmen — Maddie Berger, Gianna Copelli, Alexis Jellison, Chyanne Coleman and Kiley Latshaw. Bisi, Kelly and Aukerman could see time in the pitcher's circle.

Others looking to make contributions include freshman Alanna Meloy (2B/utility), sophomore Allison Baum (1B/utility) and senior Mikayla McCallen (2B/OF).

Derry finished fourth in Section 1-4A last year, and ended up 5-10 overall. Despite losing to Central Valley, 4-2, in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs, coach Meloy said it was a positive experience.

“It was a great experience for the younger girls,” he said. “It brought out some of the best ball I've seen from most of the girls on the team that I have witnessed in any season leading up to that game. I think it left an impression on the girls, that the playoffs are where they want to be.”

Meloy, a former Derry baseball player, is in his fifth season as the Trojans softball coach.

“I think we have a chance to build off of last year,” he said, “bringing in our next core of girls that will be with the program for the next few years, as well as building upon the pieces we already have in place.”

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Derry Area