ITEM FILE PHOTO
Abby Fila, pictured, and Brooke Warren split time in the circle for the Wyoma juniors.
By KATIE MORRISON
The Wyoma junior all-star softball team is built for big moments.
The team has stayed more or less intact for the past couple of years, and after last Sunday, now have three consecutive district titles under its belt. Two years ago, the Lynn all-stars fell in the sectionals to Woburn, another perennial power. Last season, Lynn made it past Woburn, all the way to the state championship before falling to Charlton.
After locking up the 2017 District 16 title with a decisive 10-0 win over Marblehead Sunday, the juniors will start their state title run in the sectionals, taking on a familiar opponent in…you guessed it, Woburn.
With all of the past tournament experience under its belt, the Wyoma squad is battle-tested and ready to go.
Coach Chad Wilkins said about half of the 2015 team is still intact, and even more from last year’s group. Every year, the group changes, a few players leave and a few players are added, but a core stays together from season to season.
That’s allowed Wilkins and his coaching staff to see some growth on and off the field.
“The fact that they’ve had some success over the past couple of years helps with the nerves,” Wilkins said. “That’s the biggest thing with the girls, keeping the nerves down. But they’re battle-tested, and I’ve seen the maturity develop.”
Not only are the all-stars more comfortable on the big stages, but having a familiarity with the opponent has been a big advantage as well.
“Woburn is mostly the same team (from last year), same coaches, we’re very familiar with each other,” Wilkins said. “They’re a well-coached team and we always play great games against them. The girls are comfortable seeing familiar faces, so that’s definitely helped, without a doubt.”
The tournament moves into a best 2-of-3 format in the sectionals, which is another advantage for Lynn.
“The group is very resilient,” Wilkins said. “If they lost a game, I don’t think they would lose their confidence. This is a group that can easily win two in a row. But, we’re not planning on losing one, it’s important to win the first game and put the pressure on (Woburn).”
The experience in high-pressure games is invaluable to the girls on the team, eight of whom have already played in high school, either on varsity or JV.
“Experience is the biggest thing, that’s the only way to help the nerves and everything else,” Wilkins said. “You can’t replace that.”
The juniors program is relatively new; it expanded from three teams to four this year, and coaches and administrators hope to add more. The program’s success shows just how much talent there is in the city. At the junior level, the coaches can draw from all over the city, which creates a deep lineup.
“It makes the team that much stronger,” Wilkins said. “Even our substitutes, who change from game to game, I’m comfortable with any starting lineup out there. One through 14 (players on the roster), I feel good with them out there.”
Wyoma’s success this tournament has started in the circle. The duo of Abby Fila and Brooke Warren split the time, and between them, have allowed just one run over the three games of the district tournament.
But Fila and Warren wouldn’t have had the kind of success they’ve experienced in the tournament if it wasn’t for the strong defense behind them.
“I think what’s most impressive is that we’ve only made one error in three games,” Wilkins said. “That’s my favorite stat. Pitching and defense wins games, and we practice almost every day and these girls worked their butts off, and it’s showing on the field.”
As the Lynn squad gets ready to start their sectional run Thursday, Wilkins tries to reinforce a few messages.
“It’s almost impossible to calm the nerves just by talking to them,” Wilkins said, “but I try to tell them it’s just another game, and we’re all in it together. It’s okay if you make an error, they’re part of the game, but don’t be afraid to make them. Play with no fear.”
The Wyoma all-stars travel to Woburn for game one on Thursday night, and will play at home at Lynn Woods at 7 p.m. Friday. If necessary, game three will be Sunday in Woburn.
