Shaler Area softball makes move to Class 5A
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Thursday, March 21, 2019 | 10:59 PM
Shaler’s Meghan Lacey competes during practice March 20, 2019 at Shaler.
Shaler senior Leah Schoenian competes during practice March 20, 2019 at Shaler.
Shaler shortstop/pitcher Tori Martrano is one of six returning starters.
Shaler catcher Ella Richards competes during practice March 20, 2019 at Shaler.
Shaler softball coach Tom Sorce prepares his team for the upcoming season March 20, 2019 at Shaler.
Shaler pitcher Hunter Gray competes during practice March 20, 2019 at Shaler.
Shaler’s Cam Murphy competes during practice March 20, 2019 at Shaler.
Shaler senior Kelsey Cordera competes during practice March 20, 2019 at Shaler.
Tom Sorce didn’t want any hopeful Shaler softball players doomed by the pressure of a 72-hour performance.
The second-year coach let all 36 players who tried out know conditioning and weightlifting would be a part of the process.
Sorce said he felt people bought in.
“That was the extraordinary part,” he said. “I told everyone tryouts started at weightlifting. I didn’t want to just have a tryout and have someone have a bad three days and not make the team.”
Those who made the team expect to be a better-conditioned unit. The Titans, who finished last season 6-10 and missed the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs by a game, will look to rebound as the program drops to 5A.
Senior outfielder Jamie Lappe noticed a difference when conditioning started.
“None of us were winded and needed a break after 30 minutes,” Lappe said. “It helped us overall with our endurance.”
Shaler was scheduled to open the section schedule March 26 against Plum. The results of that game were too late for this edition.
Gateway, Hampton, Mars, Oakland Catholic, Penn Hills and Woodland Hills will join the Titans in Section 2-5A.
“I’m looking forward to us being able to react to different teams,” junior pitcher/shortstop Tori Martrano said. “I think we need to play on the same level we know we can play and work to our best potential. I’m excited to see how we work in the section.”
Hunter Gray will be counted on to start at pitcher. The Titans return six starters: Ella Richards, Kelsey Cordera, Leah Schoenian, Skyler Tortorea, Lappe and Martrano. Meghan Lacey returned to the team after a year off and will contribute at first base and in the outfield.
Four freshmen also will see time for Shaler.
“There is nothing like competition,” Sorce said. “It doesn’t bother me if nine freshmen or nine seniors play. It’s not going to be the best 15 athletes who play. It’s going to be the best 15 kids who can play together.”
Being able to mesh will be a focus for Shaler.
“I think we need to work together and stay on our communication skills,” Martrano said. “That’s where we lacked last year.”
Lappe said the Titans know they will need to stick together.
“We all rely on each other,” Lappe said. “Any time one of us makes a mistake, we have a slogan that we all flush each others’ mistakes. After we make a mistake, it’s like nothing really happened.”
Tags: Shaler
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