THE MELROSE Lady Raider softball team is ready to start their season. On Saturday they will play Malden at Pine Banks and on Tuesday their league opener is scheduled against Wincheser. Pictured is hurler Alex McGuire. (file photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE — It’s springtime and the Melrose Lady Raider softball team is all set with practicing indoors.
Like many other teams, they haven’t see been outside yet, other than some pop up drills on the cleared Fred Green Field at Melrose High School. All of that makes scrimmages impossible and with a looming opening day approaching on Saturday, the main goal of this team is to get on the field.
“Obviously we haven’t been outside, we’re hoping that Pine Banks will be ready for our opener,” says head coach Steve Wall. Melrose will play against Malden in Mayors’ Cup action on Saturday should the weather hold up. But they will also host a league opener against Winchester on Tuesday at Pine Banks. It could be sloppy but if they get the green light to play, they will no doubt be ready.
Having only lost two seniors last season the team returns with a lot of experience. This year the Lady Raiders will be led by their quad-captains, Stephanie Crovo, Kaitlin Carson, Meghan Tryder and Alex McGuire.
On the mound McGuire will return in her role as pitcher. “Alex did a great job for us last year,” says her coach. “She returns with experience and worked on the off season.” McGuire will be helped by hurlers Alyssa Gorman and Kaitlin Carson.
Melrose offense will benefit from the batting of sisters Stephanie and Victoria Crovo, who are expected to be a potent 1-2 punch in the 3rd-4th batting positions. Carson’s speed, meanwhile, may be utilized in the lead off spot.
Look to see the infield filled with both Crovos at short strop and third and Allie Bornstein at second and Jen Stanton or Alyssa Gorman at first. The outfield could be a collection of Carson, Rachel Pfeiffer and Melanie Cohan, among others. Two players Wall would like to see return healthy are Olivia Joyal and catcher Meghan Tryder (catcher), both nursing injuries.
According to Wall, talented youth are coming through the pipeline thanks in part to the role of Melrose Youth Softball. “Our numbers are up on the junior varsity team and there is a strong ninth grade class on junior varsity that we’re excited about.”
The league will once again be pretty tough, with Burlington and Wakefield showing a lot of talent in the Freedom League. Melrose begins Mayors’ Cup action this Saturday at Pine Banks, but it’s unclear whether conditions will be playable. As always fans are encouraged to visit www.schedulestar.com for up to date information.
For this season the goals are pretty simple, according to Wall. “Get outside and start winning and keep competitive so we can qualify for playoffs.”
2015 Season Schedule
Sat. 4/4 1:30 p.m. vs. Malden (Pine Banks)
Tue. 4/7 3:45 p.m. vs. Winchester
Thu. 4/9 3:45 p.m. @ Belmont
Sat. 4/11 10 a.m. @ Malden (Pine Banks)
Mon. 4/13 3:45 p.m. @ Arlington
Wed 4/15 3:45 p.m. vs. Stoneham
Fri. 4/17 3:45 p.m. vs. Wilmington
Wed. 4/22 10 a.m. vs. Burlington
Fri. 4/24 10 a.m. @ Wakefield Memorial H.S.
Mon. 4/27 4 p.m. @ Watertown
Wed. 4/29 3:45 p.m. vs. Lexington
Fri. 5/01 3:45 p.m. vs. Reading
Mon 5/4 3:45 p.m. @ Woburn
Wed. 5/6 3:45 p.m. @ Stoneham
Thu. 5/7 6 p.m. @ Wilmington
Mon. 5/11 3:45 p.m. @ Burlington
Wed. 5/13 3:45 p.m. vs. Wakefield
Fri. 5/15 4 p.m. vs. Watertown
Tue. 5/19 3:45 p.m. @ Boston Latin Academy
Thu. 5/21 3:45 p.m. vs. Boston Latin Academy
