Fila hopes tourney berth is in English softball’s future this season

LYNN – English High softball coach Alisa Fila has high hopes that this year’s team will have the horses to qualify for the state tournament.The Bulldogs finished 8-12 last year. This year’s numbers are good, with 55-56 girls showing up for tryouts earlier this week. Fila has some experienced players returning, including sophomore catcher Cara Crowley, who hit in the .400s to lead the team. Valerie Fiaccaprile, also a sophomore, patrols centerfield, and she gives the Bulldogs some speed in the leadoff spot.English’s returning contingent also includes junior first baseman Lauren Walsh, who started last year; junior Danielle Burke, a reserve outfielder; senior right fielder Aleasha Despres; and senior second baseman Kristi Rebidue. Junior Jackie Trapula also saw time at second. English could also get some help from junior Jenny Mageary, who transferred from St. Mary’s this year.Amanda Witunsky is back at third and she’s available to pitch if she’s needed. The Bulldogs lost their ace, Debbie Santos, to graduation. Santos is now playing at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. English also lost its shortstop, Katie Gouthro, to graduation.The good news for Fila is that she has several talented pitchers to try to fill the void, including Tiffany Drown, who bounced between junior varsity and varsity last year, and freshmen Cathia Hernandez and Stephanie Scherrer.”We had a good amount of talent show up,” Fila said, adding she saw some players from Marshall Middle School and Pickering who show some potential.”We’re planning on making the tournament,” Fila said. “We’re going to focus on being a team, working as a team, and hopefully it will come together. I think we’re going to have a good year. If we can find a consistent pitcher, we have our No. 4 hitter back (Crowley).”Fila said she also has some players who were on the junior varsity last year who could make an impact at the varsity level this year.