The Lynn English softball program underwent a makeover this past off-season, and the Bulldogs hope some fresh faces will return the program to prominence in the highly competitive field of Lynn softball.
?We only started this past Monday, but I?m pleasantly surprised at what we have,” said first year coach Jack Bartlett. “These girls are so used to losing, but just from being with over the past couple days, you can see they believe we?re going to turn this around.”
Bartlett replaces Alisa Fila, who did a remarkable job in her 23 years at the helm of the program. He knows the importance of strong coaching, and quickly surrounded himself with a very talented staff.
?I?m getting a lot of help from my staff,” he said. “That includes Donna Mills, who is a softball legend, and we have Debbie Santos, who played at English and then in college, and a perennial All Star catcher Cara Crowley, who went to English and also played in college.”
Bartlett has yet to name captains for his squad, but the Bulldogs are led by senior Shanna Zeramby. She is joined by fellow seniors in a sister duo of pitcher Brooke Holey and catcher Samantha Holey. As for goals, Bartlett refuses to place a ceiling on the potential success of his team.
?Naturally everyone wants to make the tournament,” he said. “I think we?re going to surprise some people. We?re going to win the games we should win, and our goal is to steal some of the ones that maybe we shouldn?t.”The backbone of the team?s success will be generated from the sophomore class, as a strong part of the lineup features Rachel Calnan, Taylor Sullivan, Emma Trahant, Kosama Chhay, and Brittany Barrows. Freshman Tommie Hill will also make her varsity debut for the Bulldogs.
?The girls have surprised us,” said Bartlett. “We have a little speed and our defense is good. If they buy into the system and really love the game, it will be a great season. We?re hoping to really surprise some people.”
Justin Barrasso can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.
