The Tyrone Lady Eagles’ softball team is starting this upcoming season under a new era of coaching. Head coach Peter Baran is looking to improve after last year’s 0-16 season.

“I’m looking forward to this season,” said Baran, “I get to coach a great bunch of girls this year, and we’re looking to be more competitive and eager to win.”

“I’m optimistic about the upcoming season,” said senior Shannon Gearhart,”even though we are a young team we all get along so well and are dedicated to making the program stronger.”

Last season the Lady Eagles finished with no wins. This year they are planning to turn things around and play to the level of the other teams in the Mountain League.

“I believe we’re in the toughest league in the state,” said returning starter and junior Anna Baran, “We really need to step it up this year. I know we have always had a bunch of potential to win, and this year I hope we do just that.”

“This season will definitely turn around for the better,” said sophomore newcomer Madi Grazier, “The numbers do not matter this year, because the team and coach Baran will all have a new record.”

One of the challenges the Lady Eagle will face this year is a smaller roster.

“Although we have a much smaller roster than usual, I know the girls that are at practice every day are the ones that have a desire to be here and get better” stated Baran,

“We have 90% of our offense returning from last year.  But the league will be even tougher and to succeed we need to out work our opponents,” added Baran.

With only three returning starters, senior Shannon Gearhart, junior Anna Baran, and junior Finnley Christine, the Eagles will be inexperienced at the beginning of the season.

The rest of the roster are freshman or upperclassman with no varsity experience.

“The future of Tyrone softball is very bright. With over 30 girls on junior high they are able to play four games a night, and I am looking forward to see what will happen in the future” said Baran.

Their first game will be Saturday, March 21st vs. the Bellwood-Antis Lady Blue Devils, at home at 12:00pm

Roster:

Senior         Shannon Gearhart    P, 1st, OF

Senior         Sierra Morrison    1st, OF

Senior        Heidi Walls        1st, OF

Senior         Kaitland Lynch    OF, C

Senior         Reagan Heidenthal    OF, 3rd

Senior        Sam Aungst        OF

Junior         Anna Baran        P, SS

Junior         Finnley Christine    C, 3rd

Junior         Kalea Hammond    OF

Sophomore    Madi Grazier        1st, 3rd

Sophomore    Alli Hosko        OF, 2nd

Sophomore    Hailey Durbin        2nd, OF

Sophomore     Azia Barnett        2nd, OF

Freshman    Emily Hamer         C, SS

Freshman     Grace Gensimore    OF, 3rd, P

Coaches:

Assistant Varsity Coaches:

Harry Gearhart

Dale VanHorne

Junior High Head Coach:

Jim Jones

Assistant Junior High Coaches:

Destany Allen

Stanley Allen

Bruce Tepsic