ITEM PHOTO BY KATIE MORRISON
Wyoma pitcher Lily Newhall will look to continue her strong tournament play into the state sectionals beginning tonight against Woburn.
By LILY DOOLIN
Both the 12 and 13-year-old Wyoma Little League softball teams had great success in the District 16 tournament. The 12s took home the banner in a nail-biting victory over Saugus, while the 13s were crowned champions after beating Peabody in their first appearance as a team.
With state sectionals looming on the horizon, both clubs will look to continue their success against some stiff competition.
The 12s will take to the field at home tonight against an unfamiliar Woburn squad. Although manager Jay Newhall is eager to scout out the competition, he is more interested in sharpening his own players’ skills.
“We know Woburn is a strong program,” said Newhall. “We’re going to go in ready to play any type of game.”
In order to prepare the team for the unknown, Newhall and his staff have been focusing on “the little things” in practice, such as bunting and base hits.
“The little things are what win games,” said Newhall.
With the 12s still riding high from their second consecutive championship win, there is no doubt that energy will carry into the first few games of sectionals.
“No athlete ever leaves that behind,” Newhall said.
However, Newhall and his players are aware that these next teams are strong and competitive, and will still be a challenge regardless of Wyoma’s past success.
“The girls know they’ve been tested, but you still never know what they’re going to throw at you,” said Newhall.
Although the girls will be facing some tough competition, they are keen to begin the next round of games.
“They’re ready to compete,” said Newhall. “They are one hundred percent together and ready.”
The 13s will also go up against Woburn on Saturday. Unlike the 12s, the 13s are quite familiar with Woburn, who defeated Wyoma in the previous matchup.
“They’re a well-coached team,” said manager Chad Wilkins. “We have to be prepared for anything.”
At practice, Wilkins is having his players “trying out some different plays” as well as “working on the basics” to ready themselves for the match up.
In addition, Wilkins and his staff have begun to focus on pitching and defense, saying that the “hits will come” so long as his players stay sharp on the field.
Although Wyoma is “looking forward to the challenge,” Wilkins said its players can sometimes get nervous before games. Wilkins also looks to quells these nerves and get his girls to build up their confidence.
“The talent is there, and they’re ready to keep playing,” said Wilkins. “We just have to prepare these girls mentally.”
Wilkins is confident his team can stand tall against Woburn, and knows more success is on the horizon for it.
“We’re looking forward to facing Woburn. The girls are hungry for more wins,” Wilkins said.
