Coach Fila gears up for her 20th season at English

When the Lynn English High softball team takes the field against Beverly in its season opener on April 13, it will represent coach Alisa Fila’s 20th season with the Bulldogs.”I never thought I’d be there as long as I’ve been,” said Fila, who is herself a member of the Class of ’84. “I’ve done it because I enjoy coaching softball, and obviously Lynn English is my (alma mater).”Last year’s team went 8-12 and Fila described this season as a challenging one, characterizing it as a rebuilding year.For instance, the Bulldogs lost their senior battery from last season, pitcher Tiffany Drown and catcher Cara Crowley. Crowley is continuing her softball career at St. Anselm, while Drown is helping out with the North Shore Tech program “and might be coming by to help me out,” Fila said.That means that current senior Cathia Hernandez, a righty, will take over pitching duties this season. But as for a backstop, Fila said, “That’s a good question. We haven’t figured that part out yet.” She did mention Molly Cullen, the JV catcher last year, saying, “We’re taking a look at her.”Around the horn, there are similar questions. The coach listed a trio of possible first basemen – seniors Katelyn Barrera (who, like Hernandez, was a varsity starter in 2010), Allison White and Selena Prun – noting that they all tried out for the position last year.There is good news at second base, where junior Lindsey Walsh is back, but the Bulldogs need a shortstop and a third baseman. Fila said that sophomore Lauren Pohlmeyer, whose bat looked good in practice yesterday, could play one of these positions, or a position in the outfield.The Bulldogs’ third baseman from last season, Sam Earp, has transferred to Classical.In the outfield, the team lost 2010 graduates Valerie Fiaccaprile (center) and Desiree Flanagan (left). However, juniors Jessica Dellazoppa and Taylor Newhall are back, and senior Taylor Ford could contribute as well.Other players the coach mentioned are seniors Victoria Oliva, Alyssa Shambo and Keila Lantigua; and junior Annaluz Adames. Forty-five players have tried out in the first two days of practice.The coaching staff will have a bit of a roster change as well. Assistant Donna Mills is no longer coaching because of the arrival of a new baby girl.”She’s very happy,” Fila said. “The little girl is adorable.”Sarah Moynihan is Fila’s new assistant. Leandro Rodriguez is back as JV coach, with Rebecca Marx helping out and also serving as pitching coach.Fila was herself a softball player in her high school days. She played third base, and the program won a league co-championship in 1983 and the outright league title in 1984. Now, she is ready for a coaching milestone.”Who knows if I’ll go for more?” she said. “As long as I enjoy it, I’ll continue coaching. I like to give back to the school I graduated from. They’re good kids. They do their best for me. That’s all I could ask.”