LL softball squads ready for openers

The District 16 softball All-Star tournament gets underway on Thursday with six teams ready to do battle including defending champion Peabody.The Lynn team, which is a combination of players from East Lynn, West Lynn American and Pine Hill, will face Peabody in its opening game at Wyoma (6). Meanwhile, Wyoma will be playing Marblehead at Wyoma (8) and Swampscott will be home against Saugus (6 tentatively). All games are Thursday.Lynn manager Robin Hoggard is very excited about this year?s team. Lynn has seven returning players including pitcher/catcher Maddie Hoggard (her daughter); Madison Dana, a catcher; shortstop/first baseman Kayla Morrill; second base/pitcher Rebecca Walker; Lauren Wilkinson, a pitcher and shortstop; Pamela Dimis, a first baseman and pitcher, and second baseman Victoria Hobbs.?I think we?re strong all around,” Hoggard said. “We have a great infield and we have super strong bats this year.”Wyoma, under manager Chris Tobin, will be on the young side with six 11-year-olds. There are three players returning from last year?s team, Emma Feinguelli, Carly Mendonca and Jenna Tobin. Feinguelli is a first baseman, Mendonca a pitcher and Tobin a third baseman and No. 2 pitcher.?We?re young, very young,” Tobin said. “It?s a good fielding team. Fielding and batting are probably our strengths.”Last year Wyoma went three deep in the tournament with the season-ending loss coming against Marblehead.Tobin said he and the coaches are still sorting out positions. He said a lot of the players are similar in ability and can play a variety of different places.Saugus returns with some experienced players including pitcher Emma Howard, who was the ace on the mound as an 11. Caitlin Wright had the hot bat last year and manager Steve Almquist is hoping the same holds true this year.Outfielder Ashley Shaw, shortstop Tessa Palermo and first baseman Jennie Iudice also return with some experience. Almquist said his 11s are looking good as well. One of the younger players is Caitlin Wood, a pitcher.?Defensive-wise, we?re looking good,” Almquist said. “Hopefully we have a strong defense and we should have a lot of depth in pitching this year. We also have some kids who can swing the bat.”Last year Swampscott won one game, against Salem, and then lost the next two to Swampscott and Wyoma in extra innings. This is the third year in a row Saugus opens with Swampscott.