Winthrop returns with veteran pitching

The Winthrop High softball team is looking at life without Courtney Finn and although the loss of the star shortstop leaves a crater in the lineup, coach Dave Guffy is optimistic his team has enough experience returning to soften the blow.Just how big an impact player was Finn? How does a .659 batting average with 39 RBI and 32 runs scored sound? The Northeastern Conference Small Most Valuable Player, who is at Bentley University on a basketball scholarship, also had six home runs and a .967 fielding percentageThe good news for Guffy and the troops is that the Vikings have three pitchers including two who shared the load last year – Angela Pettee and Elaine Lanza. Sophomore Alex Perry will provide the third arm. Both Pettee and Lanza can play elsewhere when they’re not on the mound – Pettee at second or third and Lanza at first or in the outfield.Guffy is counting on veteran catcher Abby Belcher to help make up for some of the lost offense.”She had a great season last year,” he said.Guffy is also looking at Leanna Ferullo and Kristin Lanza at short or third. Taylor Brown and Pettee will see time at second and Amanda Brogna, Haley Benson, Andrea Martucci and Carol Bruce will shore up the outfield.Guffy lost a couple of varsity players during the off season. Second baseman, Alyssa Moore decided to run track and senior Lindsey Barker decided not to play softball. Guffy said he also lost players at the junior varsity level, a situation he attributes in part to the high user fees ($425) players must pay. His overall numbers have dropped from 33 to 21 players.Despite the setbacks, Guffy is optimistic. His team went 12-11 last year, losing to Austin Prep in the third round of the state tournament.”I think our strength will be our experience,” he said. “Everyone on the varsity team has played at a high level. Our weakness is the fact we don’t put up a lot of runs. We’ll have to play good defense and take advantage of opportunities when they come up.”Winthrop will open April 12 against Somerville.